Within these past couple of weeks, I’ve had time to reflect upon my life as a whole. The absurd quantity of changes made to my daily routine has significantly impacted my outlook toward my future and what I wish to see for myself. Throughout all of these developments, whether educational or social, the consistency which I once had called out to me. Despite the good these adjustments will bring to my life, it’s hard to navigate the unknown without any resistance behind it. It’s this resistance that drives me toward my latest obsession with Mitski’s newest single, “Heaven.”
Despite the differences our situations may hold, I can’t help but feel drawn towards Mitski’s melodic, yet harrowing lyricism. The desperation Mitski exhibits pulls me in, as if I were the lover she wishes to keep.
The Nashville-based artist continuously surpasses and subverts expectations, finding a sound that mirrors her surroundings in her upcoming album, The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We, set to release Sept. 15. Taking inspiration from the country-lead artists that dominate Nashville, it’s clear to see Mitski’s intentions when utilizing those same techniques, combining them with the unique sound she’s built as an artist.
With the assistance of a moving instrumental background, joining the likes of acoustic and symphonic tones, Mitski creates a moving piece about the slow loss of her lover. Through notes of love and warmth comes the bitter reality of a broken, dying relationship, described in eloquent detail:
“All of our love /
Fillin’ all of our room /
Your low, warm voice /
Curses as you find the string /
To strike within me /
That rings out a note /
Heard in heaven.”
Regardless of the hardships this relationship poses, Mitski still seems to grasp the idyllic version of what the relationship could be, or what it once was. Throughout the duration of the song, Mitski continues to reach towards the unattainable — something which I find myself doing as well. She wishes for her relationship to stay the same: unwavering and passionate.
The background instrumentals mirror this pattern, utilizing the symphonic aspects of the song to heighten the emotion behind every word she sings. In this, the listener is able to truly feel the mix of emotions that Mitski, herself, is going through. Because of this need for consistency, I felt connected to this song in ways which I wouldn’t have otherwise.
No matter what situation you may be going through, the need for routine is innately human. Consistency, let alone connectivity, is something that everyone needs. Though everyone’s situation is different, the root of these circumstances can appeal to all audiences. It’s this sentiment which leads me to praise, and recommend, Mitski’s latest single. Combined with her other recent releases, “Star” and “Bug Like an Angel,” Mitski is once again set to drop a remarkable album.
Though I tend to sing high praises for the artist, I can only imagine just how magical this album will truly be. If you are wishing for consistency and personability at this moment, I urge you to listen to Mitski’s newest release.
