“paranoia party” by Frances Forever

August 2021

After having a little mental health chat with a friend, I decided it was finally time to revisit Frances Forever’s latest EP titled paranoia party. I pushed this EP off for a while because I am honestly scared that my words won’t do it justice. An emotional rollercoaster with catchy lyrics, paranoia party is easily one of my favorite EPs of 2021. 

Starting off with “depression”, honestly, on some days this hits a little too close to home. I like how the song follows up the saddest lyrics with “Don't wanna waste my time / I wanna be alive”. In a way, it’s nice to know that, even in my worst moments, there is someone else in this world who understands how I’m feeling. It shows that even on those bad days I’m fighting through my emotions and searching for a better day. I can’t think of a better song to start off an EP. The lyrics grab your attention, the melody is soft and soothing, and just for a moment you can feel relief.

Next up is TikTok’s favorite, “space girl”. Frances described this as a “song about a girl they’re deeply in love with and they dream about themselves dancing together. It’s a very romantic song admitting feelings to either some crush or a partner.” I never did learn the TikTok dance associated with it, but I can say I know every word! This song absolutely defines 2021, TikTok, pop music, and even adds a sweet little love note along the way. The majority of the song is upbeat and just a great song all around, however, I am not a fan of the outro. It is great the first couple of times, but can get old the more you listen to it. I feel like it pulls the cheerful nature of the song down a notch and drags it on just a bit too long.

If I remember correctly I believe Frances had said that they were going to re-record “space girl” with different pronouns? Can anyone update me on this?

“my condolences to myself” is probably the most dramatic song on the EP. Following up “space girl” was a great choice and it provides the perfect contrast to a perky relationship that has now gone wrong. This song almost reminds me of the infamous quote that goes something like “you can’t love other people until you learn to love yourself”. In a way yes, but also no. Hear me out. The lyrics to this song are “Never loved myself / Imagine that / How I could love you?” This song explains the pain that comes with trying to love another person when you are struggling with loving yourself, especially when that other person is always working to tear you down. 

I absolutely love “eat the rich”. Not only does it have that perfect liberal touch, but it’s so incredibly catchy I find myself singing it to myself at all times of the day. This song is just a big middle finger in the face of the elite, proving life doesn’t have to be centered around money to be successful.

If I listen to “daytime” too many times in a row, I will most definitely convince myself that I need to quit my 9-5, spend my entire savings on a VW van, and drive across the country. This song is so freeing. It gives me the reminder that the life I am living is my own and that I am in control of the choices I can make. I can choose to find my peace or continue to struggle day-by-day. 

And lastly, we have the title track of “paranoia party”. This song is what it's like being dragged to a college party, where you know anyone, the music’s too loud, and you just want to go home. I think the mellow song partnered with the chaotic setting really plays on that feeling of dissociation you endure as time slowly ticks by. I’ve never been big on parties and definitely had my disgust with the times I do go to one, not my scene at all.

Overall, a killer EP and a great set of tunes from Frances Forever. It’s amazing to see the power that social media can have and even how quickly TikTok can turn a song into a dance, a meme, an overnight sensation, you name it. I can’t wait to see what France does in the future and hope that I can catch one of their shows in Grand Rapids!

Frances Forever

Instagram: instagram.com/frances.4ever

Twitter: twitter.com/frances_4ever

Listen to paranoia party: francesforever.co/paranoiaparty