'Oh Wonder' by Oh Wonder

Oh Wonder is a duo that I, personally, believe deserves more hype. Their debut and self titled album Oh Wonder is one of my top favourites.

Track #1: "Livewire"

The opening track of this album is definitely one that sets the tone for the rest.

This song, to me, is about two people who want someone to make them feel alive. To be their livewire, someone to be there for them when they need someone.

It's interesting production wise, and it lets you know right off that the duo sings every single line together, instead of splitting the verses, automatically making them stand out.

Track #2: "Body Gold"

Another love song, which is a massive recurring theme of the album.

"Body Gold" is a mellow semi upbeat song about a love that will never slow down, and in a world full of breakup songs, this song is refreshing. Essentially, to me, it's about being present with your lover.

Track #3: "Technicolour Beat"

(My personal favourite off the album).

This song is another happy love song about feeling safe with the person you're with. It's about feeling so much... happiness, so much love, for a person that the world is spinning and everything is just so colourful.

This is definitely a song you put on a playlist when you're so happy you can't contain it.

(Also, the line, "I feel life for the very first time,/love in my arms and the sun in my eyes," is my favourite lyric from the whole album).

Track #4: "Drive"

The first negative song on the album, although it still fits with the theme of romance.

The song is about how loving the person you love isn't easy, how no matter what they do it's not enough for them and they can't handle it anymore. It's too hard to keep loving them.

And while the lyrics are depressing, the song is upbeat.

Track #5: "Lose It"

This is the first song I'd ever heard from Oh Wonder, so it's got a small special place in my heart.

This song isn't about love so much as it's about finding someone you're able to let go with. The song sets the scene of two people just... losing it and dancing together, feeling the music and not caring about anything else but that.

You don't even need to know the person, but you feel something when you dance with them and you forget about all the shit happening in your life.

It's a wholesome, positive song. Upbeat, lyrically simple, and extremely catchy.

Track #6: "Landslide"

Much like the last song, it's not necessarily clear if this is about romance or not, but it's about being there for someone who really needs it.

"Landslide" is definitely the most uplifting song on the album and the one I'd recommend, because everyone needs a song to let them know that they have someone there for them despite everything they're going through and that's what this song is telling us.

With a nice production and a simple beat, the song is just what you need to feel a bit better.

Track #7: "White Blood"

One of the slower songs on the album, "White Blood" is about being ready to jump into it with someone, and needing them to be there for you when you finally do.

While it's lyrically repetitive, the song still has a nice production and it's very mellow.

Track #8: "Without You"

Going back to the sadder lyrics, "Without You" is a slow but somehow upbeat song about waiting for someone you love.

It's about having lost someone, and being lost without them, but living your life (without wanting to) without them.

Track #9: "The Rain"

Alas, one of my least favourite songs on the album.

While I like the production, the concept of the song seems muddled and I think the lyrics are much too repetitive.

Track #10: "Dazzle"

This song sounds different than all the others, production wise.

Not much to say here, it's essentially about wanting to be dazzled by someone.

It has an almost hip-hop feel but still manages to keep its alt/indie edge.

Track #11: "All We Do"

Another song with repetitive lyrics and a very clear message: all they do is hide and chase and look for something they can't and never will have.

It's pretty musically, but in my opinion, a bit long given the repetition.

Track #12: "Midnight Moon"

Much like "Landslide," this song is an uplifting song about being able to overcome obstacles.

The song is upbeat, lots of different instruments (including what sounds like a sitar? But I could be very wrong), and a nice, positive message.

"Midnight Moon" is about being able to go over the moon, despite adversity. This is a song everyone could use on their bad days.

Track #13: "Shark"

Kicking it back to the wrong side of love; "Shark" is about being so entangled in another person, about being in a love disaster. Or, as they put it, a shark in a love landslide.

While it's not my favourite on the album, I really love the chorus on this song. It's catchy and I find it in my head a lot of the time.

Track #14: "Heart Hope"

Yet another uplifting song, although this one has a softer tempo.

"Heart Hope" is about wanting something more than what you have with your life, and knowing you need to be hopeful in order to get to the place you want to be in your life.

Track #15: "Plans"

As closing songs go, this one is a pretty strong one.

"Plans" is about being in a bad position in your life but wanting to be okay with your life, and hoping you will be eventually.

Within the song, the lyrics mention financial issues but having plans to get to happiness. They're born for a happy life and they'll get there despite the adversity in their lives now. Another uplifting song that all people, especially young adults such as myself, could use when we're feeling down.

--

Album rating: 4/5

Favourite songs: "Lose It," "Technicolour Beat," "Midnight Moon," "Landslide," and "White Blood."

Overall thoughts: This album randomly came into my life about a year ago when I'd heard "Lose It" on a video on YouTube. I instantly fell in love with how the duo sings their songs, together, and how their songs are a mixture of happiness, longing, sadness, positivity, and hope. This album is definitely worth a listen if you're into a more mellow song and meaningful lyrics that can affect your mood.