13. Just the Start
Favourite lyric: But the thing about the chase, is it plagues the human race
‘Just the Start’ may not be to my taste, but it does show just how versatile and experimental ‘Big Ideas’ is. I’ve seen people fall in love with the minimal instrumental and almost pure vocal here, wishing for Remi Wolf to release more of the sort, showing this was a more subjective choice for me to place it last. Ultimately, ‘Big Ideas’ is a no skip album, and I think ‘Just the Start’ is a valuable addition with its intimate vocals and introspective lyricism.
You can listen to Just the Start here:
12. Motorcycle
Favourite lyric: Pass the chaos by in this great big world, and no one knows what they’re talking about
A different aspect of Remi Wolf’s range shines on ‘Motorcycle’, suited to the slower tempo. It’s a soothing listen, painting this warm summer atmosphere, especially alongside the music video. The visual creativity here is inspiring – I love the concept of observing the world on a motorcycle in a song. The reason this track is lower down on the list is because I have so much love for Remi Wolf’s big, loud soulful pop anthems (although I try to be objective) but I still think ‘Motorcycle’ was a good choice for a single.
You can listen to Motorcycle here:
11. When I Thought Of You
Favourite lyric: Aren’t you such a star? Oh wow, no one can approach you
The hook of ‘When I Thought of You’ meant I could not place it any lower. It’s repetitive but I would gladly listen to it over and over again. The lyrical theme is anecdotal, featuring Shawn ‘in the yard’, Sophie ‘in the bathroom’ and Connor ‘going crazy up there, bouncing off the bedroom walls’ at a party. Instrumentally and in terms of production, there’s a lot to unpack, including electronic sound effects and the shifts from minimal instrumental to a more developed sound. But like ‘Motorcycle’, it doesn’t fall into the category of soulful pop anthems I adore.
You can listen to When I Thought Of You here:
10. Pitiful
Favourite lyric: Hit me like a truck, burnin’ on the 101, and this is just my luck
A light, airy and fun intro welcomes us to ‘Pitiful’, and this summarises the mood for the rest of this tune. The lyrics feel so carefree in the way they do during ‘Slay Bitch’, and you just know it would be brilliant to see live on stage. Maybe a weaker track in comparison to the upbeat variety of songs here, but also such an easy listen and worth the listen.
You can listen to Pitiful here:
9. Alone in Miami
Favourite lyric: If you don’t understand me, then who can?
Venturing into a smooth kind of indie rock, Remi Wolf presents us with ‘Alone in Miami’. There’s so much passion vocally as she begs the question If you don’t understand me, then who can? – my favourite lyric mostly for the way in which she sings it. It’s so obviously a remarkable track like the ones below, and it doesn’t feel appropriate to put it this low down on the list, but the upcoming tracks have such strong melodies.
You can listen to Alone in Miami here:
8. Slay Bitch
Favourite lyric: I’m gonna bide my time just right, forget my stress on a flight
The bonus track of the album – ‘Slay Bitch’ – has a lot to offer, and I reckon it already is a fan favourite. The instrumental is incredibly disco-esque, putting forward a melody that is indisputably fun and dance-invoking. And the lyrics match this energy exactly, with ostensibly carefree lines like the lyric above.
You can listen to Slay Bitch here:
7. Cherries & Cream
Favourite lyric: If she’s perfect, what are you here for?
‘Cherries & Cream’ and it’s alleviating aura are bound to capture your attention. The vocals take centre stage, supported by a simpler, albeit sophisticated, instrumental than that of its more upbeat counterparts. At different points in the melody we are serenaded by smooth vocalisations that underline the fantastic flow of ‘Cherries & Cream’.
You can listen to Cherries & Cream here:
6. Toro
Favourite lyric: Fly to Miami in the morning we better make this one count
It doesn’t feel right putting ‘Toro’ around the halfway mark, and between this fun melody and the next few, there isn’t much. I in fact had no idea what ‘Toro’ meant until now, and I agree with Remi Wolf that it is a better name for a song than the English translation ‘Bull’. It’s a fascinating concept for a song, revolving around themes of desire and rebellion against societal norms.
You can listen to Toro here:
5. Frog Rock
Favourite lyric: And in the back of my head, I wish you didn’t clean up so well
The offbeat attitude of ‘Frog Rock’ gets better with each listen, and I can’t describe how much I love the elevated version of the chorus she introduces half way through the track. The richly developed instrumental shows just how much musical audacity Remi Wolf has, strengthened by her exceptional vocals.
You can listen to Frog Rock here:
4. Kangaroo
Favourite lyric: I’m good at plaguing you with my big ideas
The first thing I noticed about ‘Kangaroo’ was the similarity in sound, during the intro, to indie pop sensation Alfie Templeman. A favourite singer of mine, so I was instantly interested. We know we are going to be bestowed with a powerfully catchy melody as soon as Remi Wolf shouts ‘my big ideas’, referencing the album title. And the chorus was even better than expected.
You can listen to Kangaroo here:
3. Wave
Favourite lyric: My baby’s gonna buy me a big boat for my birthday, but all I really wish that he would do is keep me company
Tied as my favourite on ‘Big Ideas’, alongside ‘Soup’, the atmosphere Remi Wolf builds on ‘Wave’ has me mesmerised every time. There’s an evident summery theme on the album, and the melody truly feels like we are surfing as the listeners, riding it like a ‘Wave’. It’s refreshing and relatable; ‘Oh, God, I forgot, long distance, what a bitch‘.
You can listen to Wave here:
2. Soup
Favourite lyric: I can never do what you wanted, baby, now our love just wants to divide us lately
There’s something so addictive about the chorus of ‘Soup’. I think I’ve had this song on repeat every day for a week now. Remi Wolf’s high range hits phenomenal levels of adrenaline. She flaunts her expertise in crafting a pre-chorus that creates exciting anticipation for the chorus and is also outstandingly tuneful in itself, as also seen in ‘Kangaroo’.
You can listen to Soup here:
1. Cinderella
Favourite lyric: So quick when I switch it up, hurtful to mellow
‘Cinderella’ may not be my favourite on the album but objectively it is the best. As a song cool enough to be authentic, but also commercial enough to be a radio success, I’m surprised it hasn’t received the chart love it deserves. It’s one of the most genre-daring tracks on the album, with a synth funk instrumental to die for.
You can listen to Cinderella here:
You can listen to the full album here:
https://open.spotify.com/album/7HQOEMCDGKY8eJyQPdsnYH?si=m8DTsL6IRli7PpuUBC7JJw