MAGGIE ROGERS - Surrender LP

Label: Capitol

Despite first finding inspiration for ‘Surrender’ while living on the coast of Maine in the peak of the pandemic, Maggie Rogers shaped her second album in the image of New York. One of the most romanticised cities in the world – and the place where the Grammy-nominated star’s musical career kicked off – it possesses its own special energy. It’s relentlessly tough and overwhelmingly claustrophobic, fuelled by the burning passion of people who come to see if they can really “make it anywhere”.

All of that intensity, fire and spark is encapsulated in ‘Surrender’, a record that feels like an explosion of urgency and joy. Like New York begs of you, Rogers gives herself wholeheartedly to the songs on it and, within the lyrics, to those she’s singing to. The follow-up to 2019’s ‘Heard It In A Past Life’ is nothing short of electrifying, unlike life in the city, Rogers’ second album is much easier and more desirable to put yourself through the process again and again; a mostly crucial and enriching next step.