When we listen to music, we want to get lost in it. Hitting play allows us to dive deep into feelings we may struggle to articulate, have hidden deep down, or need space to express. That is the talent of singer-songwriters. In their creative power, we find ourselves doing everything from relishing in our memorable joys to mourning gut-wrenching lows. Annie Dressner, an emerging artist, is one whose storytelling and lyricism provide a powerful window into facets of the human experience. Annie Dressner’s latest single, ’18 Years,’ tells a complex heartwrenching story in an ironically beautiful way.
’18 Years’ Is Exploring Disconnect In Vital Relationships
Annie Dressner dresses ’18 Years’ in an uplifting, charming tune that almost makes you forget how bitter the lyrics are. Initially, you’ll find yourself swaying to the guitar lines. Then, when you’ve settled into the song, the instrumental backing and lyrics cause a dissonance in meaning. ’18 Years’ is a song about a particular type of dissonance. This dissonance happens when a young person spends most of their life knowing what someone’s “role” is supposed to be but never witnessing them step into it.
’18 Years’ could be about a distant parent, sibling, or guardian. Whomever ’18 Years’ is about, there is no denying that the person or experience behind the inspiration never fulfilled their responsibilities. Unfortunately, this makes the years leading up to 18 miserable, annoying, frustrating, and confusing. No matter what this person may not think of you, they will always haunt you.
“I Feel Stupid For Trying, Even Stupider For Crying Over You”
Annie delicately tells the story of being “old enough” to call out their sh*t. The lyrics unfold as if Annie is responding bitterly and sarcastically in a conversation. This is a conversation known too well for people who have been in these situations with absent parents or family members.
Attempts of trying and repairing somehow get put on the child where the guilt sits heavily. It’s a tiring guilt that does not belong to them. Despite knowing the truth and who is to blame, the tears associated with rejection don’t disappear. Annie puts it out on the table to shift the blame and responsibility.
“You have nothing and no one but yourself to blame.”
“It Took Me 18 Years To Try And Get To Know You”
All in all, Annie Dressner opens up like a private journal entry: the anger, the fears, and the ounce of hope that things would change. ’18 Years’ is a musical work composed of complex emotions based on love. It’s a weird type of love. This type of love is shattered, made on broken promises, and a disheartening reality.
Love is complex, but this love shouldn’t be. When someone so important to you in your life doesn’t see you in the same light, it’s soul-wrenching. People can tell you the truth about this person and avoid contacting them to save yourself pain. Even though these warnings are loud, it’s not “real” until you face it yourself.
“Tonight, I saw what I needed to see
That I’m nothing to you
It changed everything for me.”
Annie Dressner – ’18 Years’
’18 Years’ from beginning to end is a sad masterpiece exploring the ugly stories we try to put aside. These ugly stories must be told as they are parts of us that we don’t need to feel ashamed of. Our role within them is to remain innocent.
Annie Dressner Is Timelessly Brilliant
The singer-songwriter from New York City has captured our attention with a smooth voice. ’18 Years’ is our gateway to this emerging artist, and we’re excited to see her growth. Releasing ’18 Years’ towards the end of 2023 was a smart move to end the year on a high note. This new release is not the only exciting announcement that Annie Dressner has going on.
From playing hundreds of gigs in NYC to performing at festival showcases in the UK, Annie has announced her first headlining UK tour from April to May of next year. It’s going to be an epic year for Annie Dressner. And there’s no better time to get on board as a fan to hype her up in her journey. You know we’ll be in her corner. To build up your love of Annie, check out these songs: ‘Black and White,‘ ‘Book of Love,’ and ‘Trash – Live in Liverpool.‘
What are your thoughts on this multifaceted song, ’18 Years?’ Share with us in the comments below or spark up a conversation with us on our socials. You’ll find us eager to talk about Annie Dressner and other faves on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!
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