Annelle Staal's 'My Girl': A Springtime Sapphic Love Ballad

Annelle Staal is a unicorn among Nashville recording artists, churning out soulful, lush indie pop sprinkled with just the right amount of folk and rock - and, of course, a generous helping of queer magic.

With influences ranging from folk to rock, Staal's got a wider range than a set of bird wings so that they can switch from dreamy ballads to upbeat blues and everything in between. When the world entered full-blown chaos mode earlier this year, Staal didn't flinch; they just hopped on Twitch and TV and launched a live show with a growing global following.

"My Girl" is like the springtime sapphic love song you never knew you needed - until now. With bright, vibrant indie-pop sounds infused with the essence of the 60s, this track is a musical time machine that takes you back to the good old days. Add in Staal's organic, lush vocal, and you'll be smitten.

"My Girl" lyrics are playful, romantic, and evocative. They paint a picture of a complex and exciting relationship defined by love, power dynamics, and limited time together. The singer feels powerless in the relationship until they are in town with their lover when their presence is enough to untie the knots tying Staal’s hands.

The song suggests that the couple does not live in the same place, but their strong love for each other brings new vibrancy to the singer's life. The final line, "When no one hears me, I call her my girl," is a powerful declaration of the singer's love for their partner.

The single’s instrumentation is characterized by its eclectic blend of genres and styles and its emphasis on organic sounds and electronic experimentation. This approach gives their music a unique, distinctive, timeless, and contemporary sound.

Staal incorporates a variety of other instruments into the song, such as drums, guitar, and piano. These instruments add depth and texture to the songs, giving them a more full-bodied sound. There’s a warm and inviting sound to the instrumentation of “My Girl,” something familiar in their music.

The single’s instrumentation is bright and vibrant, with influences from the 60s. Image from SoundCloud.

The artist’s vocals are characterized by their warm, rich tone and passionate delivery. They have a natural, effortless, soulful, intimate sound, and their voice has a raw, authentic quality that perfectly complements their music.

Staal's vocal style is heavily influenced by folk and indie pop singers, and their use of vibrato and melisma adds depth and texture to their performances. They also have a powerful range, which they use in their songs, moving effortlessly from soft, intimate moments to powerful, belted-out choruses.

In addition to their technical ability, Staal's vocals are notable for their emotional depth and vulnerability. Their performances are filled with raw, unfiltered emotion, and they have a gift for connecting with their audience on a deep, personal level.

Staal's production style is characterized by its intricate, multi-layered approach, its blend of organic and electronic sounds, and its attention to detail and balance. This unique approach to production helps create a timeless and contemporary sound that perfectly complements Staal's rich, passionate vocals and songwriting.

"This song feels like a fresh take on nostalgic pop, and truly captures the joy and playfulness of a first-time queer relationship to me,” the artist said in a public statement. “Like a fresh start that makes you feel sentimental, I can't help but smile and dance when Iisten to this one--it's always felt special to me."

"My Girl" is like a refreshing breeze on a hot summer day. This song is a cheerful and romantic blend of genres and styles.

Staal's vocals are warm and vibrant, showcasing a range that moves effortlessly from soft intimacy to powerful belting. With intricate production and attention to detail, the song is timeless and contemporary, perfectly complementing the artist's unique sound. If you're a fan of organic sounds, electronic experimentation, and playful yet powerful vocals, you will fall head over heels for "My Girl."