Today's Song: Freya Ridings Captivates with the Poignantly Empowering “Castles”

After the global hit “Lost Without You”, Freya Ridings proves that the best is still yet to come with her compellingly commanding track “Castles”

follow our Today’s Song(s) playlist

Listen: “Castles” – Freya Ridings

Moving on from a breakup can prove to be an absolutely tortuous experience. Every little habit that you’ve built comes crashing down and losing someone else also means that you lose a part of yourself. Most breakup anthems are either overwhelmingly liberating or shamefully self-defeating but with “Castles” Freya Ridings perfectly balances empowerment with acknowledging the loss to craft a track that’s extraordinarily affecting.

Her distinct vocal times have been spelling binding listeners since her debut release “Blackout” in 2017, which was followed by “Maps” and then global smash “Lost Without You”. The latter of which, completed penned by Ridings herself, saw her reach a truly global audience, with the track’s reach was exponentially widened by notable syncs on hit TV shows such as Love Island and Grey’s Anatomy.

I’m gonna build castles
From the rubble of your love
From the rubble of your love
I’m gonna be more than
You ever thought I was
You ever thought I was (ooh)

The track’s hauntingly beautiful nature is utterly enthralling and her follow-up track “You Mean The World To Me’ showcased a more ardently romantically side to Riding’s music. The heartening song saw her beautifully describe that weightless feeling of being aside the person you know you’re supposed to be with. In contrast, “Castles” speaks to the devastating destruction of a deeply emotionally impactful relationship.

The song’s perfectly crafted lyricism speaks to acknowledging the agony and anguish resulting from a breakup while utilizing that pain as a catalyst for self-improvement. In “Castles”, it’s evident that the terrible torment has mostly passed but still lingers like a bad smell in the air. While her vibrato-rich voice can simultaneously embody a multitude of, often conflicting, different emotions, it’s the English singer-songwriter’s uniquely affecting lyricism that really sets her apart.

Each time you left, there was a hunger
I felt so dead, I couldn’t take anymore
Losing your love, it left me stronger
I never noticed

Listen: “Castles” – Freya Ridings

Luckily on her upcoming debut studio album, released on the 19th of July via Capitol Records/Good Solider, Ridings has either written or co-written on 11 out of 12 of the songs. Speaking of the album’s upcoming release, Freya Ridings said “I feel really humbled when people say that my music helped them in some way. I’ve made an album that I’m really proud of, but I’m determined to keep working hard.” In support of her album, she’s embarking on a November UK tour, taking in iconic venues such as London’s Hammersmith Apollo and Brighton’s Dome. Freya is also due to join Hozier on fall North American tour, which starts in Portland on the 17^th of October.

With “Castles”, Freya Riding’s proves that early anticipation in her music wasn’t misplaced. Her upcoming debut album will only see Freya expand on her already sizeable fanbase and see her take her rightful place as one of England’s finest musical exports.

— —