SINGLE REVIEW: EMILY HACKETT - ME & MY

There were a number of reasons that #TEAMw21 were drawn to "Me & My", the new single from Emily Hackett. Firstly, there was the quirky title, then there was the intriguing cover with Emily appearing as a cut out and finally there was the unusually short run time of barely over two and a half minutes - all of these factors came into play before we'd even heard a note, yet within ten seconds we knew it was the right choice.

It starts with a lo fi guitar strum, and when Emily's forlorn vocals appear they are very close to the microphone, way up in the mix

"I set the bar so high, I couldn't see it

Lost in the clouds, coming down won't be easy

I watch as you fail tests you don't know you're taking

Damn me and my high expectations"

Co written with Jess Sharman, (who has also worked with Ward Thomas among many others), Emily runs through the issues of seeking ideals in herself and others, that are never likely to be met and where that can lead. The final line is repeated in what effectively is the chorus.

Subtle stings and percussion join for the second verse which covers opinions inherited, intentionally or not, from parents

"I learned from my mother, how others might see me

Here comes the joke, why I don't wear bikinis

Beauty and size have a strong correlation

Damn me and my high expectations"

Although there is no traditional chorus as such, the bridge skilfully lays out Emily's issues, and in all the seriousness still manages to find room for a little fun to make a point. The next 4 lines are repeated, and second time round the final word "repeating" is repeated two more times. It's clever production and only enforces just how often Emily goes round this particular loop.

"I never see a win, hate the compliments

Every negative's repeating

Running out of time, to try and change my mind

Before the patterns keep repeating"

The final verse reads like a torture, in this never ending quest

"Up to my neck in I 'bet you can't do' lists

If I live for perfection, I'll die getting through it

Throw me a line, I know wouldn't take it

Damn me and my high expectations"

The final words are uttered with a sense of despair. As compelling a listen as it is a difficult one, it does bring out issues that others will see themselves in and that can only be a good thing.