After enduring last week’s whirlwind of uncomfortable emotions with Shakin’ Stevens, this week’s record proved to be a bit less alarming and a lot more entertaining. The moment I saw Molly Bee’s album, “It’s Great… It’s Molly Bee,” I was drawn to her darling blond-haired, blue-eyed innocence.
But with tracks like “Single Girl Again” and “It Keeps Right on A’Hurtin’,” it seemed that Miss Bee’s album, despite its naïve impression, would soon unveil the tumultuous tale of a ‘60s girl’s quest for love.
At least I, an equally hopeless romantic, would experience it with her.
“Single Girl Again”
Although I am taken aback by the unexpected country genre, I can’t help but love the sweetness in Molly Bee’s voice, so much that I sang along. The poor girl is complaining about her lazy husband who gets to read while she cleans and cooks. It sounds like Molly Bee could use a book suggestion of her own; might I suggest "The Feminine Mystique?”
“How’s the World Treating You”
This song makes me feel like I’m slow dancing at the Pink Ladies’ and the T-birds’ homecoming without the excessive amounts of tulle and hair gel, though I suppose this track is where Miss Bee’s romantic journey begins now that she is singing about missing her man rather than being single.
“Once a Day”
I wish I had known about this song during my intermittent middle school dating experiences. This song has the perfect mix of gloom and hopefulness I needed. Breakups always seem so hard when you’re first trying to find your way in love, and truly like “you found someone and I thought I never would,” but if Miss Molly Bee can move on, so can a sad 8th grade scene chick.
“Together Again”
I’ve found myself so emotionally invested in Molly Bee’s love life that I wanted to applaud her for working it out with her man. Honestly, what sane guy could deny this adorable gal? Plus, her voice is even sweeter than Zooey Deschanel’s, and that’s really saying something. But I gotta warn you, Molly (we’re on a first-name basis now, right?), “once a cheater, always a cheater” is the unfortunate truth we all wish we could forget.
“Oh, Lonesome Me”
Before Molly even began singing, I knew that this would be my favorite song on the album. The catchy beat is instantly toe-tappin', finger-snappin' worthy, and her voice only adds to its charm. Unlike the harmonic vocals featured throughout the rest of the album, she adds random pauses which only add to the spunk of the song. Music aside, what is this guy thinking, “flirtin’ with the girls with all of his charms?” He sure doesn’t seem good enough for her. But it’s OK, Molly, you can join me and my good friends, Ben and Jerry, at my place. I got you covered.
“Keep it a Secret”
Poor Molly is really going through a rough patch in the relationship department. Now her man is off “painting the town with some girl he once knew?” What a jerk (side note: I totally called it). But honestly, Molly, I know you want me to “keep this a secret from (you),” but ignorance isn’t actually bliss in this type of situation. We have to nip this in the bud and then watch a sassy rom-com. How does “Bridget Jones' Diary” sound to you? It may be a bit after your time, but I promise it’s still good.
We’re on to the second act of your quest for love, girl; I’m rooting for you.
“I’m Gonna Change Everything”
Whoa, whoa, whoa, Molly. Although I appreciate your spunk, and I know that “(taking) the pictures off the wall and (burning) ‘em” sounds like a good idea right now, you don’t want to be one of those girls who gets a dramatic haircut right after a bad breakup. You can get through this. I’ll just take those photos, yeah, and those candles he got you for your birthday, too. Trust me, you’ll want to laugh at them in a few years time.
“Lonely Street”
Molly’s voice sounds particularly beautiful in this track, but a girl can’t stay sad forever. She needs to get back out there. I know there’s a huge stigma against it, but online dating works for a lot of people! She should get off “lonely street” and check it out.
“Invisible Tears”
Wait, now she’s singing “you’re back again, so I’ll let you in?” Molly, you can’t just give in to that! You shouldn’t just date a guy because you cry over memories with him. Following your love story is starting to sound more and more like Bridget Jones’s relationship with Daniel Cleaver.
“Let it be Me”
I’m glad you’re happy again and that you keep singing like a goddess, Molly, but I’m still mad at you for never taking my advice. Yes, I’m bitter.
“It Keeps Right on A’Hurtin”
What did I tell you? If he has hurt you twice, he’s going to hurt you again. But you’ve gotten so far now that your single “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” became a hit! You are a strong, independent woman and I have faith in you. I even looked into your future on Wikipedia and you’re eventually going to marry some other country singer named Ira Allen. Hold out for that! Or marry four other guys first. That’s cool, too.
“You Don’t Know Me”
Molly sounds a lot happier now that she’s found a new guy to “hold (her) hand and say hello.” See? All those nights of Phish Food and awful Christmas sweaters worked out in the end. Now she’s singing her heart out for a guy who actually cares about her. Way to go, Miss Molly Bee. You live your happily ever after.
Reach the reporter at aplante@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @aimeenplante
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