Valentine, Snail Mail

An album about heartbreak

By: Nikhil Kumaran

I hope you have your tissues and your emotional support blanket because Snail Mail will put you in your FEELS with her newest release. Snail Mail, also known as singer-songwriter Lindsey Jordan, hits the indie-pop world hard with her second debut album “Valentine.” 

In this album, Jordan’s masterful songwriting is complemented by her equally beautiful chord progressions. These powerful tales of heartbreak pull your heartstrings while having you dance in your bedroom. 

Love and loss are this album’s themes. Hence the fitting name “Valentine.”

The album’s first song, “Valentine,” hits Snail Mail fans with a nostalgic effect. It gives the same vibe as Jordan’s previous album, “Lush,” but then quickly hits the listener with an electric chorus that washes right over them. 

“Headlock” has ethereal guitars and carefully placed piano licks that make you feel as if you’re floating in space. 

Though the majority of the album fits into the category of indie-pop, Jordan centers us with her sensitive acoustic tracks. “Light Blue” is an acoustic love song with amazing melodies and a chilling cello solo. “C. et al.” is more gentle and pleasant to the ear. It’s the simplicity that makes these songs stand out in particular. 

The album wraps up with the song “Mia,” which ends the collection of songs on both an introspective and reflective note. With nothing more than an electric guitar, an assortment of string instruments, and her airy voice, Jordan wraps her second album in a melancholic yet dazzling bow.