Addison Grace recently dropped their sophomore EP Things That Are Bad For Me, a vulnerable expansion from their May 2022 EP Immaturing.
This EP incorporates everything there is to love about bedroom pop while turning the tables of traditional themes that were prevalent in the genre. The opener “Pretty Girl” makes you feel like you are back in your teenage bedroom accompanied by endless nostalgia and angst. It is a piece dedicated to remembering when they had to choose between loving themselves or loving someone very destructive. “Pretty Girl” brings those feelings back and reminds the listener about the importance of self-love.
“Valerie” addresses a specific person head-on in a dreamy, disquiet melody. It makes the listener reminisce on specific quirks and memories alongside Grace. With lyrics about strawberry blonde, caffeine, herbal tea, and thrifting, it is an open letter challenging a past lover if they remember all of their times together.
The more intense, bold track of “Everybody Seems to Love You” comes in strong with lyrics telling a story about the fine line between affection and hate. This track brings in an amazing touch of rock that has never been seen in Grace’s discography before, making it the perfect single for this EP.
“Out Of Touch” has a melody that wraps up bedroom pop in a gift. It lays on a vague, diary-like side in terms of lyrics with its powerful tidbits about being enough for someone. Grace’s angsty letter to their younger self in “If Nobody Likes U” is one of the most comforting, beautiful ways to wrap up the EP. It has self-affirming lyrics about insecurities and worrying about other people accepting you. It’s nothing short of a lovely pep talk that guides the listener through Grace’s very own adolescence years. And with an interlude at the end of a voicemail from their mother, which is sure to be a tear-jerker, the EP is finalized.
This EP was a pleasant listen and nothing short of everything there is to love about nostalgia, bedroom pop, and of course, Addison Grace.
