Not For Radio

Maria's solo album, Melt is finally here!! Maria from The Marias, known for their famous song "No One Noticed," made a solo album. So, it is her lyrics without Josh's production (a bandmate from The Marias and her ex). I have been listening to The Marias for a long time, and I am obsessed with both their albums, CINEMA and Submarine. So, I wasn't really sure when she rebranded to "Not for Radio," like I don't love the name because the concept behind the name is there. The solo project allows Maria the creative freedom to craft her desired music, free from the pressure of her record label to produce radio-friendly, upbeat tracks like those on Submarine.

(Image Credit: Getty Images)

She is an amazing lyricist; I don't know how to put it into words. People dislike the slow instrumental and feel that her songs are too mellow, but that is her vibe!!

Her song from the album Back to You might be my favorite. This album is still growing on me, so my opinion may change. Just her yearning to hope it brings me back to you, as reflected in her song "Back To Me", is beautiful. The thought of being "yours again" and being willing to go to extreme lengths is just beautiful.

Puddles is such a heartbreaking song, because of everything Maria has been through she is stopping herself from loving in the present, when she says, "My mind is blurry from all of the rain, Don't think that love is worth all of the pain" she justifies why she can't love again, but in the end she kind of lets go of this feeling and she wants to try, so we are left with this indecisive decision, which is in-between loving but the fear of a heartbreak.

(Image Credit: FLOOD Magazine)

Not the Only One is another favorite, only because at one point, these lyrics talk about the fear of committing to someone because of the heartbreak and finding reasons to let go of someone by comparing your partner to someone else. But towards the start, when she says, "This pain, almost made me wanna die," is when you feel trapped in a toxic relationship, the immense effort has been met with suffering, making the divided loyalty a response to the pain, not just a random wandering of the heart. Verse 2, she goes on to sing, "Okay, I'll stay, It's the only thing I can do, I'll try to change, do all that you want me to." It's the feeling of being trapped in this relationship because you are scared to let go.

Since everyone loves Swan, I will conclude my blog with that. The start of the song is very Joji-coded. I don't know how to explain that beat. Honestly, the whole vibe of the album is giving swan, so when she says, "I could love you like a swan", she really means that she can love them forever because swans mate for life, and that is so beautiful. The lyrics of the song is so mythical! She also physically commits to and expresses intimacy through the song, "Take my body, this I promise. Won't let go of your hand."

I'm thrilled to see her fully express her vision and produce these songs on her own terms. The album as a whole is an incredibly beautiful collection, and the vinyl is a stunning piece of art!