SINGLE REVIEW: “What If You Change?” by The Wldlfe

The Wldlfe had a majorly successful release day on Friday for their latest and most anticipated single yet, “What If You Change?”

To celebrate the release of WIYC?, The Wldlfe and The Wldlfe HQ hosted livestreams and Discord calls throughout the night leading up to the launch. To start off, the band live-streamed from a sports bar where they were celebrating their hard work with friends. Jansen Hogan and Jack Crane, two members of the band, hung out for a bit at the bar while Carson Hogan, another member, spoke to fans live from his drive home (handsfree, of course). Soon after the livestream ended, The Wldlfe HQ began the listening party for the single where fans, along with Jack and Carson, got to listen to previous Wldlfe songs and prepare for the new era with some conversations about the band’s past.

At midnight, we all muted our microphones and began listening to “What If You Change?” As soon as the three minute and twenty-six second song ended, everyone unmuted themselves and praised the band for their incredible work on the vocals, instrumentals, and production of the song. The band were very grateful for the kind words and thanked the fans for listening to the premiere of WIYC? with them.

The song itself explores themes of overthinking and worrying despite being in a happy, healthy relationship. We got a glimpse into the song a few times with teasers from the band, along with the puzzle they had us solve to unscramble the chorus. Hearing the full song and getting to place the chorus within the context of the entire piece was very satisfying.

“You say I look like something out a dream / So it’s getting harder to believe that you want me the way that I want you / Keep second guessing if it’s true”

Even though the singer’s significant other compliments and spends time with him, he can’t help but spiral into a pit of anxiety. The upbeat and positive sound of the song helps it to sound more appreciative of what his significant other does for him despite the worrying. Overthinking is not something that someone can control, so although the singer says that they feel loved and cared for, he has doubts in the back of his mind telling him his significant other is going to change their mind.

“But I can’t help it, I overthink / ‘Cause no one’s made me feel like that / You treat me better, better / Know I get stuck in the past”

The song’s exploration of over-analyzing your relationship resonates deeply with fans, some of whom say that The Wldlfe are the best at writing songs for overthinkers. I can’t help but agree— one of their most popular tracks, “Blood Orange,” follows the same path with lines such as “excuse my over-analytical self” and “forgive my over-analytical mind.” “Anxious,” another hit from the same album, expresses the same sentiments with lines like “if you’re gonna stay, then stay, and if you’re gonna go, then go.”

The Wldlfe yet again prove their songwriting skills with the release of WIYC?, impressing the audience as always. The band told fans that this song is in the top half of their ranking for this album, which made everyone even more excited because if WIYC? is this good, then there’s even more incredible songs we haven’t heard yet.

“What If You Change?” is the first single from the band’s upcoming album which has yet to have its release date announced. Fans and the band alike are both eager to jump into this new era of The Wldlfe’s sound.

You can listen to the single on most streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. According to last.fm, I may or may not have streamed it 627 times already.

by Abiageal Filon

May 19, 2024