A stellar debut album from Croatian singer-songwriter Lucija Grabovac, Smile explores the sharp edges of heartbreak through a dynamic rock sound, with infusions spanning from country and folk to soul. From cosmic western atmospheres to raw pop anthems, the record utilizes haunting harmonies and bold guitars to navigate the difficult surrender of letting go.

“Space Cowboys” opens the album with compelling mystique, its twangy guitars and booming bass crafting a western-like soundscape befitting the track title. “Time will pass, you’ll grow old,” Grabovac’s introspective vocals let out, as patiently unfolding, twinkling keys reflect a spacey quality. “Space cowboys, in your dreams,” her riveting vocals continue, the references to sleep-state and dreaming resonating alongside the gripping instrumentation. “Woods” arrives next, strutting an enveloping combination of frolicking acoustic strums and chilly orchestral grandeur, its “fireflies are flying near” vocal observations melding with twangy guitars and into piano-touched moon-gazing, for a captivating sequence.

Another standout track, “Defeated” succeeds with a heartfelt vigor. “I really wanna be friends, time will have to do its part,” Grabovac sings, capturing a state of being emotionally wounded following heartbreak. That sense of defeat pairs with jangly guitars and gorgeous backing vocal harmonies, resulting in another exceptional piece of songwriting. “Choices” stirs with relatable themes, referencing directions in life and how blame for past decisions is a futile reaction; a memorable production shows alongside, echoing a darker synth-touched rock tint amidst hope for eventual “peace in your mind.” Full of resonating songwriting, Smile is an excellent album from Lucija Grabovac.

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“Defeated” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.

We discovered this release via MusoSoup.

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