Three years after her previous record, I Know I’m Funny Haha, Faye Webster reintroduces herself to a growing fanbase with her fifth album, Underdressed at the Symphony, which was released on Friday. Known for her soft-rock music and tender lyrics, Webster continues her track record of writing about interpersonal relationships.

The album starts strong with “Thinking About You,” which features relaxed vocals and lyrics about thinking of a lover. With a soothing sound, “Thinking About You” serves as the perfect introduction to an album with just over 30 minutes of playtime.

With this album, Webster broadens her artistic scope with the track “Lego Ring,” featuring Lil Yachty. The track was released on Jan. 11, along with the initial announcement of the album’s release. The incorporation of alternative rap through her inclusion of a fellow Atlanta-based artist expands her sound and audience. Additionally, Webster also incorporated the use of a vocoder through the track “Feeling Good Today,” which further demonstrates her willingness to broaden her sonic portfolio. 

The album’s lead single, “But Not Kiss,” was released on June 20, 2023, nearly eight months before the album itself, and marked the first change in sound for the indie singer. Webster’s vocals accompany a rock-inspired guitar instrumental. On the track, Webster sings about the longing for physical and emotional comfort that comes with a relationship while also hoping to refrain from the intimate relations that are often expected. 

Alongside “Thinking About You,” “Wanna Quit All the Time,” which serves as the third track on the album and opens with the vulnerable revelation of the decision to quit her alcohol habit, stands out for its emotional sensitivity. The penultimate track and another album highlight, “Underdressed at the Symphony,” communicates a metaphor for struggling to fit in environments with which one may not be familiar. 

While the album sounds repetitive at some parts, the central ideas of vulnerability and relationship issues are effectively communicated through Webster’s use of introspective lyrics, accompanied by mostly downtempo guitar and piano melodies. Underdressed at the Symphony serves as a beautiful continuation of the indie pop on which Faye Webster has built her artistic career. 

3 Lego Rings out of 5