In the music world, like in the arts as a whole, themes of sorrow and love have always been central and timeless. From the dawn of artistic expression to today, people have been searching for answers to the eternal questions of love. Many artists tackle this theme, often portraying it in dark and melancholic tones, focusing on the pain that comes with love.

However, Olivia Penalva offers a fresh take on this age-old theme in her debut album, ‘Spiderwebs.’ She explores it with bright, lively dance pop sounds, only occasionally dipping into more somber tones. Olivia has already made a name for herself on the global pop scene, starting out in Canada. She’s been releasing music since she was just 13, and she has a knack not only for making great music but also for knowing what listeners want. Her ability to understand what listeners want sets her apart from other pop artists. Olivia passionately and brightly sings about love and happiness, heartbreak and pain, emphasizing the importance of personal emotions. I love that Olivia chose this style because it’s through her upbeat approach that the pain of love feels even more intense.

photo by Lee Watkins

“Spiderwebs,” the title of Olivia Penalva’s debut album, is a powerful metaphor for feeling trapped and entangled in the complexities of life. When Olivia started writing the album, she was experiencing these very emotions – caught in the sticky, confusing webs of various challenges and searching for a way to break free and find clarity.

Just as a spider’s web is intricate and fragile yet strong and resilient, Olivia’s songs weave together vulnerability and strength. This complexity makes the album impactful, as it mirrors the challenges many people face in their own lives. Each song on “Spiderwebs” is a reflection of Olivia’s own battles and victories, making the album both personal and relatable.

The album opens with the track “Spiderwebs.” In a vibrant, commercial setting, Olivia Penalva’s tender and stylish voice tells a story that gives you chills. The title track, “Paper Rose,” immediately immerses you in a world of tenderness and melancholy. Her soulful vocals, delicate piano, and dreamy atmosphere transport you to your warmest memories. This track exudes a modern, flawless vibe reminiscent of a love story movie. When the violins and rhythmic beats come in, it feels like time stands still. “Paper Rose” is the perfect soundtrack for a romantic drama, capturing the most heartfelt moments. It’s undeniably the strongest track on the album.

I love how Olivia Penalva showcases her sound through changing moods and styles in songs like “Feels Like Falling” and “Don’t Love Me.” “Feels Like Falling” gives off a neon night vibe, blending carefree desire with a sensual, commercial feel. Meanwhile, “Don’t Love Me” sees Olivia returning to a melancholic acoustic sound.

photo by @oliviapenalva

Olivia Penalva’s album “Spiderwebs” is incredibly diverse, with each track being unique and filled with its own emotion. As you listen to each song, you experience a range of feelings, and a new emotion is born in your heart every time. In tracks like “Why?” and “Tell Me Who You Want Me to Be,” it feels like a build-up to a vivid climax is unfolding.

In “Why?,” the emotional vocals and stunning lyrics tug at your heart, as if this is where the confrontation with reality and pain happens. “Tell Me Who You Want Me to Be” exudes a sense of lightness and freedom after coming to terms with your emotions. I love how effortlessly and freely this track flows; it’s the perfect soundtrack for a lonely day because after listening to it, you won’t feel lonely anymore. The album concludes with the track “Home,” which is a perfect ending. It’s stylish, sunny, and vibrant with a catchy rhythm, Olivia Penalva’s bright vocals, and lush backing vocals. If “Spiderwebs” were a love story movie, “Home” would be the credits rolling with scenes of the protagonists’ happy future. This track wraps up the album beautifully, leaving you with the warmest feelings.

You’ve got to listen to “Spiderwebs” by Olivia Penalva. It’s a fantastic pop album that’s perfect for your daily grind and can lift you up when things get tough. Penalva named the album “Spiderwebs” to reflect how our emotions can be so varied and complex, all tangled up together in our minds. And she nailed it.

“Spiderwebs” is like a musical map of the human heart. Each track digs into different feelings, making you think about your own emotional rollercoaster. Penalva doesn’t hold back—she goes deep, and it feels real and relatable. It is an album that manages to be both angelic and hauntingly melancholic at the same time. Every listen feels like a new journey. Olivia Penalva has crafted a true pop gem, and I hope you give it the time and attention it deserves to transport you to a different world.

*This review was made possible by SubmitHub