My Own Superhero by ALLI BROWN is an inspirational folk-pop track about looking after yourself in the darkest times. It is about self-reliance and self-love, acknowledging the work of keeping yourself above water. There is an inherent confidence that BROWN conveys through the theme of being your superhero. This self-reliance allows her to rely on herself to catch her if she falls. This trait of being able to put her faith in her ability gives her a contagious confidence that bleeds through to the listener in this track.

The melodic aspects of this song are simple but effective. Several layers of guitars build the melody. There is a bright, shiny, strumming guitar that balances both the melody and rhythm through its performance. This instrumentation is an important aspect that works with the voice to establish the tone. There is something powerful about the core elements of the track being a single strumming guitar and a vocal. It suggests that the song could be performed solo. This choice links back to the thematic roots of being your superhero and looking after yourself. Even the sonic characteristics of the track lean into this idea of being able to look after yourself through the core execution of the song. I love connections like this between the musical energy of the track and the narrative themes that underpin it.

The vocals tell a very different story, often backed by layers of harmonies, especially behind the word “superhero.” This choice somewhat feels at odds with the solo experience of other sonic parts of the track, but if anything, this choice deepens the message. It feels like the harmonies symbolise your superhero elevating you and looking after you. The harmonies feel like the sonic representation of being able to rely on yourself in whatever situation you end up in.

Overall, My Own Superhero stands out because everything from the vocals to the narrative themes feels cohesive and united in vision. That is why it is worth a listen!