UK-based indie artist, Katie Gregson-MacLeod shared her song ‘complex’ in a now-viral TikTok earlier this month. The minute-long TikTok immediately struck a chord with its audience amassing 6.7 million views on the platform. The singer released the full song as a demo on Spotify and YouTube on August 26th
The demo is just as emotionally harrowing, honest, and deeply saddening as the original clip that was shared, providing even more insight into the singer’s world. The song is a simple piano ballad accompanied by Gregson-MacLeod's breathy yet powerful vocals. The track is mixed to create a closeness between the singer and the listener, establishing a shared understanding that we all have someone that we need like water.
Gregson-MacLeod opens the song with the lyric, “I’m 21 / The edge is razor thin / between being young and feeling everything / good days only serve as relief again.” These sincere lyrics that delve into the fatigue of adolescence and feeling so much all at once are reminiscent of the themes discussed in ‘Vienna’ by Billy Joel and ‘this is me trying’ by Taylor Swift. And much like the aforementioned songs I have no doubt “complex” will be joining those songs in notoriety and relatability.
The single strikes a perfect balance of self-reflection and heartbreak. The final lyrics in the chorus “But it’s complex / It’s a complex / I’m a complex,” not only point to the intricacies of the situation but also realize the social structures at play within herself and the other person involved. It truly feels that we get a peek into Gregson-MacLeod’s inner monologue.
The singer also ambitiously tackles social constructs such as the role of the “cool girl” and “good wife” in the song. “complex” tackles the expectation and burden that is put upon women to be the ideal fantasy of their partner and the toll that it eventually takes on them. With the “cool girl” who is expected to be fun and carefree but also the “good wife” who is expected to be a caregiver. This duality is perfectly encapsulated in the line “I’m being the cool girl / I’m keeping it so tight / I carry home while / My friends have a good night.”
Beyond the haunting lyrics featured in “complex” Gregson-MacLeod’s vocal performance is captivating. There is both a deep sadness and anguish in it that feels relatable for all who have been in a situation similar to what Gregson-MacLeod is describing. This is especially present in the “Now I just want to kill you / But I don’t want to paint you the victim / And I talk a good game / But I’d die for you just the promise you’d listen,” the deep anger in her voice in the first half of this verse followed by the anguish and painful truth that was admitted in the second half is what makes “complex” a personal standout song of the summer.
Gregson-MacLeod’s delivery of the line, “I need him like water / he thinks that I’m alright / I’m not feeling human / I think he's a good guy,” feels like a knife to the chest. There is a sense of urgency and pleading followed by a deep sadness in admitting that despite all of these issues she thinks, “He’s a good guy.”
Katie Gregson-MacLeod is an absolute gem and phenomenal lyricist that the internet has placed into the spotlight. Following the release of “complex” and all of these new eyes on her, I look forward to see the outstanding music she creates next.
Published via Returner Magazine
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