Description
Sharon Van Etten – Remind Me Tomorrow – Vinyl Record
Remind Me Tomorrow is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten, released on January 18, 2019, through Jagjaguwar Records. Known for her emotionally intense lyrics and folk-rock sound, Van Etten took a bold new direction with Remind Me Tomorrow, embracing synthesizers, drum machines, and a darker, more atmospheric style. This album marks a turning point in her career, balancing themes of personal growth, resilience, and nostalgia with a fresh, experimental sound that dives into synth-pop and post-punk influences. The result is a collection of songs that are both hauntingly beautiful and richly textured, blending Van Etten’s introspective storytelling with a raw, powerful sonic landscape.
Remind Me Tomorrow was created during a period of significant personal change for Van Etten. Since her last album, Are We There (2014), she took a break from music to focus on various pursuits, including acting, going back to school, and becoming a mother. These life changes brought a new depth to her music, infusing her songwriting with a sense of reflection, gratitude, and resilience. Working with producer John Congleton (who has collaborated with St. Vincent, Angel Olsen, and more), Van Etten crafted a more electronic and cinematic sound, layering synthesizers, booming bass, and dark, reverberating textures.
The album’s style diverges from her previous folk-rock influences, embracing elements of synth-pop, new wave, and post-punk. Van Etten’s voice remains central, often soaring above or weaving into these darker textures, creating a sense of vulnerability amidst the pulsing rhythms and heavy synth lines.
Key Tracks
‘I Told You Everything’ – The album opens with a sparse, haunting track that highlights Van Etten’s vocal intensity and storytelling. The song reflects on a pivotal moment of connection and vulnerability, setting a confessional tone for the album.
‘No One’s Easy to Love’ – This track features pulsing bass and electronic beats, with lyrics that explore the complexities and difficulties of relationships. The song’s driving rhythm and gritty production create a dark, edgy feel.
‘Memorial Day’ – A hypnotic, atmospheric track, “Memorial Day” is built on a moody, minimalist beat. The song has an almost dreamlike quality, with layered vocals and brooding synths that give it a surreal, haunting feel.
‘Comeback Kid’ – One of the album’s lead singles, “Comeback Kid” is a bold, upbeat track with anthemic energy. Its catchy chorus and powerful lyrics reflect resilience and defiance, capturing the spirit of someone who’s ready to face life’s challenges head-on.
‘Jupiter 4’ – A dark, sensual track that combines droning synths with a deep, hypnotic bass line, “Jupiter 4” explores themes of longing and love. The song’s slow build and heavy atmosphere create a sense of intensity and urgency.
‘Seventeen’ – A nostalgic track with a driving beat and shimmering synths, “Seventeen” reflects on the passage of time and Van Etten’s younger self. The song builds to a powerful climax, with Van Etten’s impassioned vocals capturing a mix of longing, nostalgia, and acceptance.
‘Malibu’ – A softer, more reflective track, “Malibu” offers a moment of tenderness amidst the album’s darker themes. With gentle melodies and introspective lyrics, it highlights Van Etten’s ability to convey vulnerability and warmth.
‘You Shadow’ – Driven by propulsive drums and moody synths, “You Shadow” explores themes of identity and self-discovery. The song’s rhythm and lyrics create a feeling of urgency and introspection.
‘Hands’ – With its heavy beat and layered vocals, “Hands” is an intense, emotionally charged track. The song reflects themes of struggle and strength, with Van Etten’s powerful voice cutting through the dark, pulsing backdrop.
‘Stay’ – The closing track is an intimate, stripped-back song that brings the album full circle. Its minimalist arrangement highlights Van Etten’s vulnerability, leaving listeners with a feeling of introspection and quiet resolve.
Remind Me Tomorrow centers around themes of personal transformation, nostalgia, love, and resilience. Van Etten’s lyrics delve into both her past and present, reflecting on youth, family, and the changes that come with maturity and motherhood. The album’s title serves as a nod to balancing her artistic career with her responsibilities and personal life, capturing the desire to be present while acknowledging the pull of the past.
John Congleton’s production plays a crucial role in shaping the album’s unique sound. Instead of her previous guitar-centered arrangements, Remind Me Tomorrow is built around synthesizers, booming basslines, and electronic textures that give the album a sense of dark, cinematic drama. This production style amplifies the intensity of Van Etten’s lyrics, creating an emotional journey that feels both intimate and epic.
Remind Me Tomorrow was met with widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising Van Etten’s bold new direction and the album’s emotional depth. Critics highlighted tracks like “Seventeen” and “Comeback Kid” as standout songs that encapsulate the album’s nostalgic yet forward-looking spirit. The album was celebrated for its innovative production and the way it expanded Van Etten’s musical range, cementing her reputation as one of indie rock’s most compelling voices.
The album’s unique fusion of synth-pop and singer-songwriter introspection has influenced a wave of artists and has been recognized as a high point in Van Etten’s discography. Songs like “Seventeen” quickly became anthems of self-reflection and personal growth, resonating with listeners for their honesty and power.
Remind Me Tomorrow stands as a defining album in Sharon Van Etten’s career, showcasing her ability to take creative risks while remaining true to her emotional core. By embracing darker, more textured sounds and exploring new musical landscapes, Van Etten crafted an album that feels both timeless and forward-thinking. Remind Me Tomorrow continues to be celebrated as a bold statement of artistic evolution, and its introspective yet dynamic sound solidifies it as an essential work in modern indie rock.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
I Told You Everything
No One’s Easy To Love
Memorial Day
Comeback Kid
Jupiter 4
Seventeen
Malibu
You Shadow
Hands
Stay
