Known for her whimsical vocals and funky instrumentation, American singer-songwriter Faye Webster released her new album, Underdressed at the Symphony on March 1. With an intimate and expansive mood, her fifth studio album invites listeners into a world of introspection.
Inspired by her occasional visits to Atlanta Symphony Orchestra concerts, Webster showcases her experience of being underdressed due to her last-minute decisions to go to the concerts.
The album’s title is quite contrasting with the tracks, as the title suggests the instruments would mostly focus on string instruments and orchestra. On the contrary, the majority of the background music consists of band instruments such as the electronic guitar, drums, and percussion instruments. This album might come off as a disappointment for fans who anticipated the tracks to be heavily orchestrated like her previous album Car Therapy Sessions from 2022.
Webster’s storytelling skills are still evident throughout the album, but she takes a more muted approach compared to her previous works. Instead of diving deep into her personal experiences, she focuses on simplicity, allowing her music to speak volumes. She doesn’t turn her breakup into a big drama but talks about the quiet moments of inner conflict. The majority of the tracks blend country and indie rock with a splash of R&B, attracting fans from different music genres. All of the tracks were recorded live, with some captured on the first or second take. In this way, they can be seen as direct lines to the human subconscious, capturing raw emotions and universal experiences.
The lyrics of most songs are very minimal and repetitive, with a lot of background noise. Although the album might feel repetitive and boring, it includes raw emotions and exceptionally features every instrument in the background. It sounds just like a band is performing live in your room, where every player has a room to shine their instruments. Webster’s staccato delivery of some of the lyrics on the songs also lets you get rid of this boredom.
The second track But Not Kiss captures the intimacy and complexity of relationships in a simple phrase. The album overall reflects starting anew after tough times, with healing moments scattered throughout. Her voice lits in the beginning “I want to sleep in your arms…” when a lively burst of piano and bass comes in, continuing the song: “… but not kiss.” This song just feels like a dream full of harmony and nostalgia.
Against a backdrop of yawning pedal steel and sparkling piano, Wanna Quit All the Time explores themes of anxiety and self-doubt with refreshing honesty. “I wanna quit all the time/ I think about it all the time/ It’s the attention that freaks me out,” Webster sings. She honestly reveals her emotional state and expresses hope for the future to have it eventually figured out. This is the perfect track to listen to whenever you feel downbeat or fallen behind, where you can gain motivation and stand back up.
A big switch in this soothing, relaxing album would be Lego Ring featuring Lil Yachty, her longtime friend. Yachty’s voice floats just under Webster’s, completing the emptiness as it trembles over a low rumble of bass.
Lifetime stands out as a reflection on love’s complexities, with Webster’s vocals drifting over gentle instrumentation. This track is the perfect song to represent the mission statement of this album. The slow-paced piano melody with Webster’s gentle voice perfectly encapsulates the journey of heartbreak for every listener to experience.
Tttttime is a sweet finish to the album. The dreamy instrumentation and soft vocals make you feel like you are lying on a flower field on a sunny day. The repetitive sounds and slow-paced lyrics end the album with Webster’s classic beats. The dreamy instrumentation and soft vocals make you feel like you are lying on a flower field on a sunny day.
At its core, Underdressed at the Symphony is a reflection of Webster’s experiences with love, loss, and the complexities of human connection. The album documents both her heartbreaks and joys, making it something relatable for everyone. With its rich arrangements and storytelling, the album invites listeners to join her on a journey of self-discovery.
