Kim McClay’s latest single, “Velveteen Girls,” is a rallying cry wrapped in distortion, grit, and hard-earned wisdom. Drawing inspiration from the timeless message of The Velveteen Rabbit, McClay transforms a beloved childhood metaphor into a powerful feminist anthem that celebrates authenticity, self-worth, and the beauty of growing older. Written for her nieces but resonating far beyond them, the track reminds us that a woman’s value has never been tied to youth, appearance, or the approval of others.
Right out of the gate, revving guitars and steady, pounding drums establish a confident, rebellious atmosphere. McClay’s husky voice comes through with conviction, carrying equal parts frustration and resilience. Rather than pleading for understanding, she delivers her message with the certainty of someone who has already learned the lesson. As she challenges the reduction of women to pretty faces and decorative figures, every lyric feels purposeful and direct.
The verses simmer with defiance, dissecting the expectations placed upon women with razor-sharp clarity. Then the chorus bursts open into an uplifting declaration. “To all the pretty little city velveteen girls,” she sings, encouraging listeners to abandon self-doubt and recognize that beauty runs far deeper than appearances. It’s an instantly memorable refrain, balancing empowerment with genuine warmth.
Beneath the smugness of “Velveteen Girls” lies a profound reflection on aging and becoming “real.” The spoken-word section borrowed from the philosophy of The Velveteen Rabbit becomes the song’s emotional centerpiece, reframing wrinkles, imperfections, and life’s wear and tear as evidence of love, experience, and growth.
By the final chorus, McClay has crafted something both personal and universal. “Velveteen Girls” is a fiery femme-rock anthem that celebrates women not for how they look, but for who they are—and that’s a message worth turning up loud.
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Review by: Naomi Joan