Heard It In A Past Life
Yesterday, I was waiting in line at the grocery store. The place was mobbed – Friday afternoon of a holiday weekend in a mountain town with fresh snow; the aisles were full of ski bums stocking up for days on the mountain and the registers were clogged with families visiting from out of town. I was drained and exhausted from the stresses of a long work week, getting more irritable by the minute as I stood there with seemingly no movement from the conveyor belt at the register ahead. And then I heard “would you believe me now” sung from the speakers above, and something within me shifted. I suddenly felt light; free.
Today marks the one-year anniversary of Maggie Roger’s album Heard It In A Past Life. Hearing Light On in the grocery store yesterday made me want to come home and reflect on what this album has given me – and what I hope it can give to you.
After singles like Fallingwater and Light On were put out into the world and before the album was released, I remember saying to my friend “I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way about music before”. That sentiment stayed with me throughout this past year as Heard It In A Past Life was released and quickly became my background music and main score for the last 12 months. Since its birth, this album has been the soundtrack to many adventures, girl’s weekends, road trips, and dance parties. The music and lyrics encapsulated within the twelve inches of vinyl sparked a light inside of me that continues to burn a year later. But most importantly, Maggie’s words and melodies gave me permission to be myself; to get to know who I truly am and celebrate it in the best of ways.
People may think it’s silly to celebrate the aging of a record – a ridiculous notion to put a label like birthday or anniversary to an inanimate object. But the truth is, a spirit was born with this record, and souls were awakened. If that’s not something to celebrate, then I’m not sure what is.
So without further ado, my play by play thoughts on the record that accompanied my life for the past twelve months-
Give A Little
The record opens with an upbeat anthem – a cry for unity during a time of polarizing separation. During Give A Little, Maggie opens her arms to strangers that have come to listen; an invitation into her album and into her world. The song echoes themes heard amongst activists and protestors during this time of division in our country – when people are choosing love over hate, despite the negative actions from our leaders. Give A Little sets the tone for the entire rest of the album – a tone of hope, with a side of dance worthy beats.
If you’re waiting in the sun
Then carry me on wings of love
To that brighter day where all begins
When to Listen: Driving down backroads on a sunny summer day (windows down, obviously).
Overnight
Overnight highlights Maggie’s ability to reach into her experiences and write about them in a way that everyone can relate to. This song brought me back to college, it brought me back to the city, and it brought me back to a younger me. Her quick turnaround of lyrics such as “And I wonder if I still lived in the city / would I see you at a party / take a big sip of my whiskey and then I'll leave quickly / and pray you missed me” demonstrate Maggie’s lyrical and vocal talents. Overnight is a precautionary warning sung in a fun, lighthearted way.
Cause people change
Overnight
Things get strange
But I’m alright
When to Listen: Getting ready for a night out – a great companion for putting on makeup in front of your bathroom mirror (it also helps to have a mirror to sing into sometimes)
The Knife
Heavy bass beats carry us into The Knife – the type of song that makes you want to move your shoulders back and forth, and then bring your hips into it, and then as Maggie moves us into the chorus your whole body can’t help to do anything but move. The Knife is one of many examples of how Maggie merges the classic instruments like piano into the more modern electronic beats, creating an inviting introduction to pop music for those that are accustomed to the simplicity of folk or classic rock.
Beautiful how it all pours out
After dark, after light
When to Listen: While torturing yourself on the treadmill (makes it a little less torturous.) Pro tip – kick up the pace a bit after the “the knife / the knife / the knife” before the last chorus, then give yourself a bit of a break as the song comes to a close with the piano chords.
Alaska
Alaska is like a piece of home. After the excitement of hearing some of the new songs, Alaska is a refreshing and familiar sound carrying us through the listening experience. For me, Alaska was my first introduction to Maggie, and it was only fitting that it was part of her first album. In the company of a full record, the song takes on a different sound – a different meaning. In a way, it’s representative of how far Maggie has come. It’s part of the showcase that displays the breadth and diversity of Maggie’s talents.
Cut my hair so I could rock back and forth
Without thinking of you
When To Listen: During a winter walk or hike – don’t be afraid to walk to the beat (and add a little strut if your heart desires – the more strut, the more free).
Light On
This song is our window into the truth and honesty behind Maggie’s journey. Maggie opens up to let us in on the struggles – and lets us know how she really feels in the most honest and open of ways. Like a good friend, Maggie confides in her listeners to allow for authenticity in a world and a business that can seem anything but. Although the song is extremely personal to Maggie’s own experience, the lyrics have universal undertones that can help anyone through their battles. And like the entire album, Maggie turns her message into one of hope and positivity. She reaches out to those willing to listen and is satisfied with saying goodbye to those who are not. Singing along to “and I’m still dancing / at the end of the day” has been one of the best simple pleasures of this year.
Oh I am finding out
There’s just no other way
And I’m still dancing
At the end of the day
When to Listen: With your girlfriends – on a beach or in a basement; doesn’t matter. Just sing it with the ones you love; the ones who will leave a light on.
Past Life
Right before you’re ready to turn that record from Side A to Side B, a solemn tune plays to pause the high energetic and dance worthy beats that opened up the album. Past Life comes at the perfect time – it forces the listener to take a step back, to slow down and reflect. Maggie sings of how her past lives have led her here. The introspective lyrics give the listener the space to ponder our own memories, the permission to search within ourselves – our pasts – to clearly see our present selves. It’s a break of sorts, a chance to catch our breath and come back to the moment.
Maybe everything’s just turning out how it should be
Maybe there’s a past life coming out inside of me
When to Listen: A Sunday night after dinner. A way to reflect on where you are and where you want to go. Or on an airplane. Great airplane song to trigger some internal contemplation while you’re 40,000 feet high.
Say It
Side B opens up with Say It – “a song about a crush” as Maggie usually introduces it. To me, Say It has a retro vibe, like it should be in the soundtrack to Blue Crush or something. It’s intimate and fun; flirty and flowing. The snare in the beginning of the second verse is some of my favorite beats throughout the album – and the rhythm of the chorus became Maggie’s band’s soundtrack for their choreographed version of The Dip that has now become a staple in their live shows.
And if it makes you just forget
That all of it’s a bit insane
When to Listen: Great song to put on in your headphones at work to tune everything else. You can even subtly try doing The Dip in your office chair and be instantly transported into your own little world. Dip at your own risk.
On + Off
On + Off was released to the world previously on Now That The Light Is Fading, but like Alaska, the song finds new meaning in its new home. The song discusses the emotional rollercoasters that we have all ridden on – and the sacred places and people we escape to when we’ve just come down from a wild ride. With its meaningful lyrics contrasted with its fun beats, it seems right at home here snuggled between the other songs of Heard It In A Past Life.
When to Listen: Highly recommended shower song – especially in the morning. Great way to wake up and move a little before starting your day.
Fallingwater
In my opinion, Fallingwater is the anthem of the album. It shows off all of Maggie’s talents in one beautifully wrapped gift to the world. Fallingwater opens the listener’s ears up to Maggie’s incredible vocal range. It is the perfect representation of Maggie’s ability to write music that makes people feel; music that people can relate to. And it teaches the listener how to let go and move their body openly and freely, an outlet for those that have been closed off. It puts words to the feeling of confusion when you feel as though your mind has betrayed you – when you think everything is okay and then suddenly it’s not. Seeing this song performed live brings all of the magic that’s wrapped inside of it into fruition – it’s a beautiful and emotionally moving experience to see Maggie float across the stage singing these lyrics, and hearing thousands of strangers singing along together.
Hold On
I thought that I was doing so well
Like everything was under a spell
Now it’s getting harder
When to Listen: When you get home from a night out, tell Alexa “play Fallingwater by Maggie Rogers” on full volume and let it all out. All of it. (sorry neighbors)
Retrograde
A few weeks before the album came out, my friend introduced me to the phenomenon of Mercury Retrograde. We used it to excuse our moods during shitty days at work, we used it to justify our flight delays and travel woes, and we used it as a way to warn each other of pending and unexplainable mishaps. When Heard It In A Past Life came out, Retrograde became our theme song. Finally, someone else knew what we were talking about. Retrograde has a certain vibe to it. It flows so beautifully and provides the background music to many of life’s “just one of those days” days. Being the follow-up to Fallingwater, it’s the perfect way to keep your body moving along with the musical journey of this album.
Here I am
Crying out
Finding all the things that I can’t do without
When to Listen: I played this song while in the middle of the North Cascades of Washington and spun around in circles while Maggie sings those extended “ohs”. Highly recommend that; but really any open space where you can truly move would suffice. The circles are a must though.
Burning
If there was one song to dance to on this album, Burning is it. The prominent beats throughout carry the listener on a journey of undeniable energy. Coming to the listener towards the end of the record, it’s a way to ensure we leave this experience with our bodies lighter and our hearts fuller than when we started. Maggie sings of love and life and awakening. The upbeat tempo ignites a fire within that leaves the listener feeling in love, alive, and burning.
I’m in love, I’m alive
Oh I’m burning
When to Listen: Try to convince the DJ at the next wedding you’re at to play it when you get sick of the high school throwback jams. If that doesn’t work, just take over the music at the after party – it’s a hit that the guests would be lucky to dance to.
Back In My Body
Back In My Body is one of those songs that help people. It’s a song that proves we’re not alone when we feel lonely; that we’re not helpless in the face of hopelessness; and that even though we may have failed, we will rise bigger and better than before. It closes the record out on a message of rebirth, a song about reconnecting to yourself, and understanding who you are. And just as the record opened up on notions of hope, Maggie says farewell with the most hopeful message of all.
This time I know I'm fighting
This time I know I'm (back in my body)
When to Listen: When you need motivation; a pick me up for any of life’s hardships. If no one else is there for you like you need them to be, this song will be.
Now go ahead – open up Spotify and search for Heard It In A Past life.
Tell Alexa to play Maggie Rogers.
Pull out the record from your collection and carefully place it on your turntable.
Put in the CD in your car and drive around listening.
However you listen, listen with your heart, mind, and body. Allow yourself to feel, allow yourself to think, allow yourself to move.
I’m grateful to this album for teaching me the things I didn’t know I needed to know. I’m thankful to this album for showing me how to feel. And I’m forever indebted to this album for the hours it has broken the deafening silence within my mind and my heart.
Thank you, Maggie.
-Annie