Juliet Ayres’ new single “Pleasure First” is a catchy earworm with a sting. This tune tackles the allure of instant gratification and the consequences it can wreak on our lives, particularly our relationships.
Ayres puts up melancholic piano and thumping drums with her rich, soulful vocals echoing Lana Del Rey’s signature sound. But “Pleasure First” is a brutally honest confession, that almost offended our singer right after she wrote it. Behind the hooky and intriguing lyrics is the reality that helped her become self-aware.
The song opens with an undeniably catchy groove. But beneath the surface lies a current of regret. Ayres’ voice, though smooth and soft, drips with raw emotion as she confesses her mistakes. Her lyrics are vulnerable and relatable—who hasn’t gotten caught up in the moment, prioritizing fleeting pleasures over something more meaningful? She portrays a recklessly enticing lifestyle coming to life in her lyrics with a couple of bottles at the bottom of her purse and disrespecting a diamond ring.
The chorus, “And I know that sometimes I can be the worst/Because I put pleasure first,” is a gut punch. It’s the realization that dawns after a night of bad decisions, the understanding that short-term highs come at a long-term cost.
While some Freebirds who would exchange a commitment for a whirl, could get stung by “Pleasure First,” but the storytelling of the song is a 12 out of 10. Her rueful, soaked-up delivery is all she needs to make you empathize with her no matter what she does. Listen to the unique and honest “Pleasure First” on Spotify.
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Review by Naomi Joan