May 9, 2026, is a significant day. It’s a countdown on hundreds of students’ calendars, anxiously ticking toward the most memorable dance for upperclassmen: prom. As excited as I am for prom approaching, my countdown is for something else: the Avery Anna concert in downtown Grand Rapids.
After dancing until brutal blisters form, my friend and I are driving 2 minutes, changing into Uggs, staying in our prom dresses, and seeing one of our favorite artists live together for the fourth time. My excitement has only grown since Anna released her new EP forgive, forget.
My immediate favorite of the EP is “Blood Runs Thicker,” which has a commanding, vengeful tone. Some of my favorite lyrics are “Betrayal stitched in your DNA / Blond hair, blue eyes, but we ain’t the same / You trade my love for a touch of fame.” The admittance of her pain from her ex’s betrayal, as well as knowing that she doesn’t need him anymore, illustrates the complexity of her writing. Her confidence is infectious, both on stage and in her voice.
Another rising favorite is “forgive, forget.” I always become obsessed with her piano ballads that build up to an acoustic guitar. It matches perfectly with her emotive lyrics, such as “I’ll be the villain if you need me to,” and “You watched me bleed, that’s the fate of me and you.” Also, by ending the EP on this track, Anna leaves off with a solemn, but indulgent feeling, shown by the last lyric, “I forgive, this is the end.”
Honorable mentions on this EP include “lonestar alone,” a thought-provoking ballad, and “Life Ain’t Like The Radio,” an immediate, catchy banger.
Another aspect that has made me fall in love with Anna’s music is her unique voice. Her first glimpse of fame came when she covered “Shallow” by Lady Gaga in her clawfoot bathtub. After this surge in followers, she started posting more original music. Almost immediately, she had her first big hit single, “Narcissist,” which she plays at all of her concerts. I am continuously drawn to her live shows because of the variety of her voice. She can beautifully sing sorrowful acoustic songs and covers, painting the lyrics with complex emotions, and then sing in a rock anthem with powerful grit while playing the electric guitar on her knees. She keeps every show fresh, expanding the audience’s anticipation.
Anna’s entire discography is a unique take on the country genre. As an infamous country hater, I can proudly say I technically like one country artist, but Anna is one of many country artists that Aubrey listens to. Anna is for everyone. I guarantee everyone can find one song of hers that they would blast in their car on repeat with the windows down when spring finally comes.
I can’t wait to hear “Blood Runs Thicker” live for the first time, “Indigo” once again, and make unforgettable concert memories with my best friend, all tied to a lively, wistful senior prom.
