My music taste is very versatile. I am always in the mood to branch out and listen to lesser-known artists or crazy songs that only a small percentage of people enjoy. 

I’ve been following the singer and songwriter Emma Bieniewicz on Instagram for a while now after a friend had recommended her music to me. She said she was really loving how Bieniewicz’s song “Lights Like You” gave her a safe feeling—like all her insecurities and worries were being censored as long as the song continued. 

On February 6, 2021, that same friend texted me in all caps: “SYDNEY! EMMA RELEASED AN ALBUM! YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO IT RIGHT NOW!” 

I’ve only heard positive comments about Bieniewicz’s first album b l o a t e d. I knew this friend wouldn’t be frantically texting me if the album had disappointed her, and I was so very right. 

Bieniewicz showcased her ethereal vocals perfectly in her biggest project yet. The soft noise in the background wasn’t too soft nor was the guitar strums. In some alternative music nowadays, there is an imbalance between the guitar and vocals that throws the vibe off. Chills fled down my spine as the opening song “Fruit Bars” continued to play through my beaten AirPods. 

Song after song, Bieniewicz was killing all expectations I had set; there was absolutely no slacking here. b l o a t e d, overall, exuded a similar feel to Taylor Swift’s newer projects folklore and evermore. All three of the albums included a spectrum of emotional feelings that united and intertwined with each other to create the perfect recipe for an album I would blast when I had the aux cord. 

Her first album cover gives off the folklore and evermore feels with the black and white filter, but it suits the album perfectly. The chill feelings each song holds are all a little different from each other, including the cover art. It’s simply a picture of Bieniewicz with her face in a stack of waffles. The photographer, Han (@handesigned on Instagram), is a fine art photographer and filmmaker. Han’s job on the cover is unmatched and really shows how unique the album is.

By far, my favorite songs out of the fourteen on b l o a t e d  are “Blood Orange” and “Lavender Hue.” Her vocals in those two songs are unadulterated perfection. “Blood Orange” and “Lavender Hue” have been playing on repeat for days now, and it is addicting; I can not get over her talent.

The Grand Rapids local and Forest Hills Central alum has the voice of an angel and guitar skills to die for. With those skills going for Bieniewicz, I see her career in the future being successful and her fanbase growing. She holds the power and potential to serve an album so beautifully crafted; I am excited to see where her talents take her.