SINGLE REVIEW: Rebecca Lappa - Lolita
Edmonton, Canada singer-songwriter Rebecca Lappa delivers alternative music with folk undertones through a pop vein. Impressively, she’s a Canadian Folk Music Awards winner, who has won 1st place three times in the Calgary Folk-fest Songwriting Contest and many other awards. In May 2023, Lappa is set to release Debut 6-song EP ‘Tales Of Taurus’ that will be preceded by the romantic-with-a-hint-of-manic single “Blue Lips,” followed by the seductive power of “Lolita” and the clear plea of “Your One.”
Lolita is a very empowering track, it feels very cinematic, as the listener, it feels you can become Lolita, everyone turning their heads at you, yearning for you, yet, not needing anyone to hold you up. You are independent, you are a boss.
But at the same time I also view this track as somewhat lonely as Lolita is perceived as this beautiful object and not a person, it feels there is a yearning to be understood beyond the surface. The lyrics explore sexualisation and that control is the only element making Lolita desirable, it becomes relatable on a deeper level for women that have experienced similar things.
The structure and lyrics are simple, catchy and repetitive which makes for good easy listening. I love how subtle changes still make the track fresh and it circles back to itself emphasizing the lyrics.
Opening Lolita, is the consistent reverb guitar picking that sets the mood and is the driving force behind the track and is reminiscent of Stevie Nicks’ ‘Edge of Seventeen’ which gives it that over all 80’s vibe. But entering later, is piano and acoustic guitar with a steady drum beat and sweet wailing clean guitar solos that confidently sets the folk style. Rebecca’s vocals are bewitching, strong and romantic, there is a lot of discipline and control in her singing style. The lyrics “Oh Lolita, You need her” dominates your mind.
Rebecca Lappa creates quite the statement through strong poetic storytelling and gentle personal songwriting. Without a doubt I see why this artist has achieved so many awards.
