“bathwater” by Annika Wells
Annika Wells remembers falling in love with a stranger in “bathwater.” Self-dubbed “whimsical surf rock,” this tune is full of serendipitous surprises that show her strengths as a songwriter while encouraging us to soak up the joy that can bubble up from unexpected situations.
The overall production of the track is high quality, with intentional moments of dreaminess and haziness that reflect the setting. She adds a very subtle layer of distortion over her vocals in the choruses and bridge, which resembles the feeling of talking to someone on the phone. Near the end of each chorus, we hear a bubbling synth motif that feels parallel to the guitar melody we hear throughout. These production choices re-emphasize the themes while creating the easy-listening nature of the song.
Listen carefully for the sonic and lyrical details that Wells sprinkles throughout the track for maximum whimsy. Some highlights include the callback to her debut album in the first verse, the ad-libs after the first chorus, and the laughter at the end of the second verse.
Wells plays with water metaphors and gives a fresh perspective on what it means for something to go “down the drain.” Paired with the cheerful melody and dancey drum beat, she whisks her newfound lover (and us) off with her to a new adventure, a new beginning.
The lyrics make the song feel conversational and friendly. Wells hooks us in with a bouncy drum beat, then the phrase “my hair my teeth my gums my shirt/glowing in the black light/filling up the tub line” to orient us into the scene. She keeps it casual for the entire storyline; she shares everything she sees and feels and even gets a little flirtatious, singing, “my B cup’s too tight for this shirt/ we should probably burn it/ but do you wanna make out first?” Her tone not only helps us quickly build a connection with her, but also prepares us for the sentimental and honest bridge where she gives us a wider look at her life: “I am my mother’s daughter/ I’m looking through her eyes.” The final chorus feels even more celebratory because of the lyrical journey she has brought us on so far.
Just upon first listen, the song feels like a glimpse into a favorite memory, thanks to Wells’s knack for curating a dreamy yet down-to-earth story through her imagery and honesty. The constant current of guitar and synth melodies keep us floating through her story, tethered by the beat. She balances showcasing her thoughtful craft with her more whimsical moments, which allows her to effectively connect with us as we listen to her story and better appreciate her creativity. “bathwater” is a cozy soundtrack for fresh starts, sunny afternoons, and late-night nostalgia.