It took fours years for singer-songwriter Erin McCarley to release her sophomore album “My Stadium Electric.” She attempted to make a lighter album than her last, showing off her fun side and versatility, but ultimately, her harsh instrumental beats overshadow her message, creating an altogether forgettable album.
Known for her slow pop songs with catchy beats and dark undertones, McCarley left what made her unique behind in pursuit of a more mainstream pop sound.
Because McCarley’s first album, “Love, Save the Empty” was such a lyrically honest album, the many different instruments she used took a quiet place in the background, and only helped to enhance the feelings she attempted to convey.
Unfortunately in her follow up album, McCarley’s lyrics held no point of view. Though typically memorable, her writing skills came off as weak and were unable to evoke any emotions from listeners. In two of her new songs “Just Another Day” and “Elevator” she simply repeats the same words over and over again––attempting to make the songs catchy like her old ones, but ultimately failing.
The passion that McCarley used to hold for each of her songs appears to be lost in this album, and it becomes especially apparent in songs like “Amber Waves” where her voice takes on an almost robotic tone, making the listener feel as stiff and unemotional as her lyrics.
The small glimmer of the true Erin McCarley comes forth in the song “There is No Holding You Down,” a song that seems to be about her struggle to get her album released. In this three minute song her ability to make the listener feel vulnerable returns, and it makes sitting through the rest of her album slightly worth it.
Although McCarley strived to create an album that matched the success of her first, the combination of converting to a mainstream pop sound and lack of publicity on “My Stadium Electric” led to a weak representation of her work.
