“stages of grief” by Makena is a clever, self-aware reflection on heartbreak. As she poetically describes the process of recuperating from a breakup, Makena reveals the many ways healing and backsliding actually work in tandem. If you’ve ever found yourself in the messy snarls of a bygone relationship, here’s the catharsis you’ve been waiting for. Plus, the sparse, acoustic atmosphere adds layers of authenticity. Needless to say, this track escapes the surface-level, idiom-loaded fabric of today’s pop music to bring us something that is trendy, but also categorically genuine.
A lovely, suspended acoustic guitar chord welcomes us into the track. “Stage one / No I don’t really think that you’re gone / When your glasses are still in my car / Feels like yesterday I was in your arms,” Makena utters a breathy, intimate verse. She continues to list rather specific emotions associated with this relational dissolution, accompanied by a slow, instrumental build. The chorus arrives with a splash of synth and distant, covered drums. Harmonies envelop her voice, adding this urgency to her words. The core of the theme is exposed here, wrapping up all of the specificities of the verses into one, succinct message: Getting over a breakup makes you feel unexpected and confusing things.
Stay tuned for even more poignant lyricism and a subtle yet brilliant production swell. If this sounds like a song you’d like to hear, follow Makena on your choice of social media or streaming service! You’ll doubtlessly fall in love with her articulate, quirky writing style.
Written by Alyce Lindberg
