Nashville-based singer-songwriter Isabel Pless strips down in her newest single “I Don’t Feel Pretty.” This song is beautifully vulnerable in its writing. The theme covers the insecurities that so many young women and girls struggle with. Her talent seeps through her candid lyricism, which comes as no surprise considering her education in linguistics. This indie/pop song mirrors the ballad of a love song but it’s uniquely a plea for self-love.
This song is incredibly layered in its depth within the lyrics. Her lyrics and writing tell the story front to back about these struggles of finding self-love and acceptance, almost as if reading a diary entry. These lyrics speak volumes to the themes of the song: “Such a let down / I feel left out / Of a love everyone seems to have now.” This is a feeling experienced by so many, yet one that feels so lonely — the validation in the song is one many listeners will appreciate.
The musical arrangement of the song is definitely simpler but with intention. With this being the case, there’s a spotlight on the lyricism and her voice. Her tone is soft, almost like an ethereal whisper. You can hear faint drums and guitar acoustics in the back that support a deep connection between the song and the listener.
The track overall does a great job of articulating this message of craving self-acceptance. It’s validating and opens dialogue to a taboo topic amongst women. It’s heartfelt and vulnerable in the best ways possible and is bound to resonate with a large audience in its message.
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