Koizumi’s latest single, “17,” is a heartfelt anthem of longing and frustration, capturing the bittersweet journey of chasing an elusive dream. Drawing from their influences—Fall Out Boy, Paramore and Japanese artists like LiSA—the band channels the early 2000s pop-rock nostalgia into a raw, emotionally charged track. If that appeals to you, keep reading.
The song begins with a fade-in of fuzzy guitars before crashing drums burst onto the scene, building momentum with vibrant energy. Josie’s vocals enter with a rich, introspective tone, her voice heavy with vulnerability and a sense of defeat. The verses tread softly, reflecting her inner turmoil, but the chorus erupts with blazing guitars and bustling drums, where her voice soars with angst and passion. The sheer agony in her delivery is palpable, blending seamlessly with the gritty instrumentation.
The bridge strips the song down to its emotional core, drenched in raw vulnerability. Josie’s line, “If only, if only, if only, I’ve been saying that since I was “17”,” hits like a confession, exposing the heartbreak of unfulfilled aspirations. The buildup leads into an anthemic guitar solo that serves as a cathartic release before the song reaches its crescendo, where pent-up emotions explode into ongoing soaring moments till all has been plunged out.
Thematically, “17” delves into the ache of striving for an achievable goal. The artist shares that it came from feeling like an outsider, watching others succeed while being trapped in a shadowy cycle of self-doubt and yearning.
“17” is a poignant anthem for anyone who’s ever wrestled with unattainable goals, channeling despair into a fiery celebration of being transparent and finding healing through exploding.
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Review by: Naomi Joan