There are only a few times I will ever admit to crying because of something. One of those times I was watching a gum commercial that absolutely WRECKED me. The other time was during Toy Story 3 when Andy (spoiler alert) gave away his toys. BUT, more recently, a specific musician has captured my attention and my tears, the perfect combination.
Julien Baker is only 20-years-old and already has her own Wikipedia page. The Memphis based musician also released an album last year that has made me cry enough times to solve this drought. To honor Julien Baker and my tears, here's why you need to listen to her debut album, "Sprained Ankle."
1. The album is amazing.
When I'm not crying, I'm typically enjoyed the album. Sprained Ankle is beautifully produced and is the type of album to inspire a person. I know I've mentioned a lot of crying, but I think something is working when an album can make you feel, and Julien Baker succeeds in emitting emotion to listeners through her voice and her guitar.
2. She's only 20.
She's only 20 and touring all over the world. Not only is she pursuing music but she's also pursuing academia. Julien attends university and is working for her degree in English Lit. I'm already in tears just writing this.
3. She is an advocate for donuts.
A photo posted by Julien Rose Baker (@julienrbaker) on
Look, even Dunkin Donuts likes her and I'm crying again.
4. She is female Elliott Smith basically.
I might be reaching with this one, but they both make me cry, so I'm going with it.
5. She's relatable.
One of the reasons she's so great is that through her music, it's super easy to feel some sort of personal connection and relation to our own lives. She highlights vulnerability and dependency, and at times we all feel like that. We are all human, and Julien is good at making the clear.
6. She's herself and is one for self-acceptance.
In a Pitchfork article, Julien describes what it was like coming out in the south, which is typically stigmatized for its lack of acceptance for the LGBTQ community. She explains, "I would rather be authentic and risk making people uncomfortable." Sometimes the importance of staying true to oneself is overshadowed by the surroundings one is in. Despite her growing success, Julien has remained true to these principles of individuality, despite background and negative perceptions.
7. She's just perfect and I honestly cry every time.
And this concludes why you need to listen to Julien Baker.