Charlotte Sands independently released her long-awaited debut album “can we start over?” on Jan. 24, 2024. The album’s 10 tracks take inspiration from punk, pop and alternative sounds smoothly combine with her self-reflecting lyrics.
Singer-songwriter Sands originally broke through with her single, “Dress,” a TikTok viral tribute to Harry Styles. Now, she sings about her change and growth in the past year as a fiercely independent artist.
Sands kicks off her album with “use me,” a powerful self-love anthem. She loudly voices her frustrations toward trying to be a constant people-pleaser, taking listeners through a passionate journey of self-empowerment and embracing individuality.
“I’d talk less if you shut your mouth / Yeah I bet you can hear me now,” Sands sings.
Her third track, “get over it,” explores the relatable feelings of trying to get over the wounds that come with a fresh breakup. She shares the inner battles and confusion she has about her remaining feelings for her ex. Listeners can relate to her indecisive thoughts.
“I think I’m having withdrawals / Until I call you again / Yeah I could put up a wall / But I’d get over it,” Sands sings.
In “spite,” Sands blends intense drum beats and guitar work to create a commanding song about getting revenge. She passionately sings about spite being her motivation to work hard and make the person who let her go regret their actions.
“I’ll get famous out of spite / I’ll make it overnight / Be starring in the movies / Just to make you cry,” Sands sings.
One of her previously released singles on the album, “blindspot,” shifts away from her punk rock sounds, instead starting with softer, heartfelt lyrics. The song covers the unrequited feelings of giving all of one’s self to someone but still not being noticed as a love interest by them. Sands creates the perfect blend of her frustration, longing and vulnerability, which shines through her vocals.
“Why do I stay by your side / When you never choose me / I wish I could have you all to myself / I wouldn’t have to share you with everyone else,” Sands sings.
Sands ends her album with “can we start over?” a rock ballad in which she was in a “right person, wrong time,” situation. She finally wants to restart her relationship, erase her mistakes and meet her partner again after growing and changing as a person. Sands believes this can make their relationship work.
“You wouldn’t have to lose me / I wouldn’t have to mend / Nothing would be painful / We’d never play pretend,” Sands sings.
In her debut album “can we start over?” Sands takes listeners through a journey of her growth, taking out her feelings of frustration, sadness, anger and longing. Her distinct blend of rock, alternative and pop music bring the 2000s back, serving as the perfect sound to her emotional lyrics.