Cry Baby by Melanie Martinez puts a dark twist on childhood innocence [Review]
Dollhouse, Sippy Cup and Carousel may seem like sugary pop songs, but you wouldn't be more wrong. Twenty-year-old Melanie Martinez's debut album Cry Baby tackles childhood themes but turns them into musical metaphors for darker feelings surrounding broken family and romantic relationships.
The mid-tempo tracks blend folk, hip hop and unusual sound effects, including bubbles popping. Quirky, catchy and full of imagery, the record transports you into Martinez's warped world. It's so raw it's mesmerising.
Dollhouse is a haunting song about a troubled family who pretend they're okay.
Alphabet Boy is a lyrical joy; the use of alliteration is smart and unforced. "Apples aren't always appropriate apologies / Butterscotch and bubblegum drops are bittersweet to me," Martinez sings.
Martinez may have been voted off The Voice, but her original material proves that true talent will always have a place to shine.
Contains strong language