I2022, Up-and-coming singer-songwriter Cat burnssong of go The raw, yet soft guitar track went double platinum and earned the South Londoner three Brit Award nominations. The 24-year-old’s debut album was Early 20s, Just as expected.
Steeped in moving gospel riches and indie sensibilities, the album is a collection of introspective yet anthemic British-accented pop about growing pains. With chatty, understated candor, Barnes muses on loneliness, connection, anxiety and self-actualization, occasionally slipping into clichés about tenderness and quasi-musical-theater dialogue (“This is what happens when you’re anxious and insecure, I’m anxious all the time!”). But that articulated candor is part of her appeal, especially for a generation that has found solace in relatable vulnerability, and it’s why Barnes channels it on tracks like Low Self Esteem. People pleaser And a tender ode to his girlfriend, Jodie.
The final track on the album, “Healing,” features neo-soul star India ArieBurns seems to have found peace. Coming of age remains a much-explored theme for a reason. Early 20s, Hear young artists candidly reflect on the challenges they experience as they get older, yet emerge cheerful, determined and triumphant.
