Alt-pop powerhouse in the making, Whitney Bjerken is showing a different side to her creative flow with her latest single, “i said that i wasn’t… (i was).” Changing things up from her usual darker emotive embrace to a more playful soundscape filled with catchy lyricism and a touch of grunge attitude.
It has been described as a song that “is about being confused about your feelings toward a person” and the feelings that come with embracing being wrong. It’s a sensational, radio-ready alt-pop banger that pulled my attention during my initial listening. But, after spending a bit of time with Whitney Bjerken’s new release, does it live up to its hype? Let’s jump right in and find out.
My basic instincts kick in in regards to the playful riff play bouncing in and out throughout the track, leaving my head sore from all the subtle head-banging and bobbing. Whitney Bjerken has zero to prove when it comes to her songwriting but does an amazing job at leaving a lasting impression with her playful yet thought-provoking lyrics, and perfect one-two combo when paired with the supersonic instrumentals.
The track itself is decently familiar in terms of fundamentals when it comes to the genre but it’s Whitney’s siren-esque vocal delivery and subtle aggression that’s both playful and intriguing for the senses. I found myself singing along with Whitney’s haunting “la la la la la la la” almost instantly.
“i said that i wasn’t… (i was)” presents itself as an incredible change of pace from Whitney’s previous work, exploding onto the alt-pop scene, built to change listeners’ perspectives of the artist whether positive or negative. Through this new single, listeners are in unknown territory when it comes to whatever Whitney has planned for them next.
Having been familiar with Whitney’s Mental Gymnastics album, released earlier this year, and her previous single “fake,” I have to say that “i said that i wasn’t… (i was)” is on an entirely different playing field, creating a completely different aura that’s built around experimentation that left me wanting more for this next stage in this talented singer-songwriter’s growing knowledge of herself. In plain terms, Whitney Bjerken’s new single is a ball of electric energy and tons of fun.
Adding to her growing 2024 accomplishments, Whitney Bjerken joined Forest Blakk, opening the artist’s show in Atlanta, Georgia at the Smith’s Olde Bar. Whitney has also teased a music video for her new single is also on the way. Whatever the rest of 2024 and 2025 might hold for this talented songwriter, I am very much hyped for it all.
