199. SURRENDER by Maggie Rogers

Here is the long-awaited 2022 follow-up to indie/pop/alt musician Maggie Rogers' first record (previously covered here). She reportedly wrote upwards of 100 songs during the interval between debut and sophomore albums (which, of course, encompassed the pandemic), so hearing what she ended up culling from the collection is interesting. (Perhaps finding out at a later date what she didn't include may be of even more interest.) And, if that wasn't enough, she also went and got a degree from Harvard Divinity School.

The lead single off the record, 'That's Where I Am,' is a great place to start. Once you hear that song, you'll immediately know why it was first from the gate. Album opener 'Overdrive' with it's Beck-like loops should be next in your listening session. Continue on with 'Honey' - it's droning/thumping synths will vibrate in your chest no matter what you set the volume to. 'Anywhere With You' is probably the standout track for me. Finally, end with the end - 'Different Kind Of World.' A great way to slow things down, kind of....