"Star" – Alga • '22 Staff Picks
Everyone defines “best” differently. For me, art that creates an uncomfortable feeling makes it to my “best of whatever” lists more often than not. Alga’s “Star” fits into this category for various reasons. What creates this uncomfortable feeling in “Star” is the tension created by Alga’s whispery vocals and gutting lyrics. Released back in July, the track was part of a two-single pack and, according to Apple Music, quickly made its way to #67 of my most listened-to songs of the year.
The track opens up delightfully with a shaker and optimistic synth that create an air of lightness together. The lyrics take a turn when the guitar is introduced, turning a little less optimistic and a little more haunting, which helps build into a heavy chorus that you can feel in the back of your head. The chorus breaks, “I never cared or expected to see you at all / Mirrors reflecting, and everything makes me feel small,” and at this point, you’re stuck. Alga’s ruminations build into the melody, running alongside the guitar riffs and intertwining through the entrancingly-paced drums. His tone of voice, monotone yet soft, makes the lyrics that much more haunting. All components merge to emphasize this sense of haunting, like a feeling you’re avoiding.
Parts of this song take you back to a particular sound of the early-mid 2000s. There’s something very party-in-a-garage-playing-beer-pong about this song that alludes to a sense of comfort and safety, even if it’s fleeting. Needless to say, “Star” was a refreshing release for a year that was all but refreshing.