Album Review: Sarah Manzo “Brain on Fire”
Album Credits:
Songwriters: Sarah Manzo and John Wilcox
Producers/ Mix: John Wilcox, Robbie Ricucci, Dean Maddox
Master: Evan Wilber
Team: Morgan Beck and Kate Talashek
Cover: @dearartboi
The first thing I noticed about this collection of 11 songs is that Sarah Manzo has a knack for grabbing the listener’s attention from line one. From Magnifiqua all the way to Tattoos, the variety in vocals, production, and instrumentation will keep you guessing what’s coming next. From Sarah Manzo herself, “[this album was inspired by] my life. I had a deep desire to share my story in hopes that others could relate. The album's themes range from struggles with mental health to heartbreak, to being unhappy in a job. I really wanted to help others feel seen when it comes to the growing pains of being a young adult.”
While the songs take on a variety of diverse styles, Manzo finds different poetic ways to portray the popular phrase “adulting is hard.”
The album starts strong with “Magnifiqua,” an admitted crowd favorite which is easy to understand given how many musical changes happen throughout the song, keeping the listener on their toes. The track almost seems like a welcoming anthem to the entire album presenting the line “where dreamers come and go, and lovers speak in prose,” sounding like the tagline to a new coffee shop-turned speakeasy.
A fast personal favorite was “Toy Piano.” A song Manzo said was essentially a “diary entry” and uses the vocals from the demo she recorded when she initially wrote the song. “Toy Piano” talks about the experience of being an artist, specifically in Nashville. Detailing the struggle with imposter syndrome, the over-saturated market of artists and songwriters, and trying to keep up with the simple act of making money all while chasing a dream (that’s arguably one of the more expensive dreams one could have.) Definitely a song everyone in the music industry can relate to, it gives a vibe as though “Lucky” by Britney Spears were written by Amy Winehouse pre-fame.
The rest of the album tells a story of battling with toxic relationships with significant others, friends, and even with herself weaving in and out of different stylistic choices in the production. Nods to various genres from Latin to jazz to funk keep you interested in the story she’s telling all while vastly entertained by the musicality of it all.
“Brain on Fire” is definitely worth a listen for those who appreciate strong vocal performances and intricate production choices. The title song will be featured on our New Music Friday playlist, and the album in its entirety is available on all streaming platforms.