“Orange” by Lauren Cimorelli

April, 2020
Christina Hu


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Lauren Cimorelli’s debut EP, “Orange,” is a tasteful blend of impressive vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and deep emotions. Cimorelli is more famously known for working alongside her sisters in the indie band “Cimorelli,” but her individual capabilities as both a singer and songwriter are highlighted in this solo debut. Released in July 2019, “Orange” is a timeless testament to the all-too-familiar feelings of heartbreak, pressure, and longing.

“When I listen to all of these songs together, I get a distinct feeling. A feeling of nostalgia and excitement. A feeling of pain and disappointment. A bit of a bittersweet feeling. Sometimes I see feelings as colors, and this feeling is the color orange,” Cimorelli wrote in her Instagram announcement of the EP.

“Orange” features four tracks — “Brown-Eyed Boys,” “Pressure,” “Flames,” and “Running” — each of which presents themes that are common to any high schooler’s life. “Brown-Eyed Boys,” the first track of the EP, shows an example of falling into the temptation of personal weaknesses. Personally, I’ve found “Pressure” to be a perfect depiction of the staggering pressure to measure up to high expectations, as high school is often a time of heightened anxiety and stress. It is the stand-out of the track, with a culmination of overwhelming emotions that are also present in the next two songs. Illustrating a similar feeling of uncertainty, “Flames” focuses on the dangerous longing for something you can’t have. “Running” offers a glimpse into Cimorelli’s teenage self, who was caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty over her identity and a relationship.

Musically, each song shares similar pop-like structures, with electronic backing tracks, heavy beats, and the showcasing of a wide vocal range. However, “Orange” also includes variations to this general structure. For example, “Running” includes a lyrical rap interlude performed by Cimorelli herself, and “Brown-Eyed Boys” features a backing track based on music from the 1980s, providing an interesting contrast with the rest of the EP.

With its depth of musicality, “Orange” is so much more than a collection of generic pop songs. After multiple replays, “Orange” has become my solace of heavy, relatable emotions. Its brilliant appeal to teenage experiences has secured “Orange” as an EP to be remembered.


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