Lily Massie Speaks Up
By Sarah Evangelista
Graphic by Emily Lantzy
The 18 year-old pop/R&B artist from New Jersey by the name of Lily Massie isn’t afraid of telling people what she believes in with her songwriting skills. From equality rights — whether it’s based on gender or sexuality — and from love and heartbreak, Massie doesn’t get second thoughts about belting out anthems with important messages. After releasing songs since 2018, she’s now here at the end of 2019 to show people what she’s got with her debut EP, Thought It Was Harmless, telling different relationship stories in each song.
Opening with an attention-catching melody, the five-song project starts with the last single that was released before the whole EP. As told by the lyrics of “Harmless,” it speaks of a heartbreak story; remembering what being in love with that person was like before it stopped working out, as well as reacting to the whole situation now. Needless to say, it seems like the more you dive into it, the more interesting the song gets, reason being that there’s just so many synthy beats and angelic riffs sung by Massie.
Up next is a danceable song by the name of “Reflection.” During the very beginning of the tune, it is expected to be a slow one, but then a groovy beat barges in and turns your expectations around in the best way. In this one, Lily Massie is telling the story of a narcissistic person who’s obsessed with their looks, and she is at the verge of leaving the relationship because of that. The lyrics in the chorus echo this, being “Do you love me? Or do you love yourself?” “Reflection” is a catchy and fun way of telling a not-so fun tale, and young adults should listen to this song as a little pointer.
The middle track is especially cool, as it starts off with a staticy and rainy effect over the soulful piano, which could be interpreted as a mini interlude of the EP. “Some Love” is more of an R&B tune, telling about a lover acting like a different person than Massie knew them as. Then, throughout the song, Massie repeats “I just need some love” and “I just need someone,” which explains her feelings towards the situation, but in the end, she realizes that the relationship was worth it and she doesn’t necessarily see it as a mistake — maybe more as a learning experience.
“Eyes” is the captivating ballad to be played after. It automatically starts off with Massie’s breathtaking vocals layered over with a harmony, which will leave the listener in awe just by the first few seconds of the song, and will repeat for the chorus. This song speaks of a manipulative partner, whose powers are looked over because they’re just so attractive. The lyrics even explain how overthinking goes into it too, but during the bridge, realization hits and she notices what was actually going on the entire time.
Lastly, the whole project ends off with relatable tune to anyone who’s gone through tough times, and who’s done with feeling down. Especially with today’s trends, like social media, which tends to affect people’s moods and self-perception. With “Cry Anymore,” the artist merged sadness with hopefulness in the most catchy way possible, so that listeners will remember that there’s always still light at the end of the tunnel.
In the end, Lily Massie’s debut five-track EP blends different scenarios, whether it’s relationships or mental health, and creates attention-drawing chants. Thought It Was Harmless will speak to anyone and everyone, no matter what they’ve been through.