Mitski comes back into the spotlight with a new studio album entitled, “The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We.” This album gives off an earthy feeling, with poetic lyrics and breathy vocals that shroud the listeners in Mitski’s feelings. 

This album itself sounds more whimsical than her previous album, “Laurel Hell.” Her production has gotten better and the listener can hear it in her detailed and thought out instrumentals delicately planned out in her songs; because of this, it has become my favorite album from Mitski. 

Her songs seem to be more focused on a healing, softer approach to life, allowing the singer to experience emotions unapologetically. Since I cannot simply pick a singular favorite out of this packed album, I will rank my top three songs:

3. “Heaven” 

This song just sounds wonderful. The beginning instrumental sounds so much like what a folk song would have behind it. With imagery of willow trees, babbling brooks and storms, the song invites one to listen to themes of peace that reflect the serenity of the relationship the singer is in. 

My absolute favorite part of this song is the instrumental break that she includes near the end. It sounds like a slow dance scene, like something two people in a movie would fall in love to. It adds movement as well as continuing the emotion of love throughout the song. 

2. “When Memories Snow” 

There is something almost haunting about the vocals that accompany Mitski in this song. The instrumental in this song is so perfectly constructed that as it builds up, you don’t expect the sudden clash of instruments all together. After the initial explosion of noise, you can hear the layered instruments, with the leading instrument being a trumpet. 

The instrumental creates a goosebumps effect that goes perfectly with the following lyrics of, “And if I break/ Could I go on break?” The song captures what it feels like to revisit memories, both negative and positive, while pushing the listener to try to heal from the negative ones. 

1. “My Love Mine All Mine”

This song has to rank at the top just because of how tender and terribly sad it sounds.The lyrics don’t reflect this utter sadness that is heard through the instrumental and the way Mitski lets her lyrics land. 

It sounds like someone who has realized their worth, how their love is theirs and how they own it. This is literally said in the lyrics that are repeated throughout the song, “Nothing in this world belongs to me/ But my love mine, all mine” It adds to the element of healing that is felt throughout the whole album. It is such a soft, loving song that it just attracts me at every note. 

Categories: Arts & Entertainment