The art of a debut album feels increasingly rare in a world flooded with singles, EPs, and fleeting viral moments.

When an artist takes the leap into a full-length project, it deserves our full attention – especially when it’s a debut. Marilyn Hucek’s first full-length record, MARILYN, demands just that.

After years of honing her sound and voice, October 2025 marks the arrival of her defining statement, an album that captures every layer of who she is: Bold, honest, and unafraid. From the euphoric pop opener “I Made It” to the delicate, soul-baring “To Be or Not To Be,” and the breathtaking bilingual “Me Salvaste El Alma,” MARILYN is a collection that threads together empowerment, vulnerability, and the heart of an artist who’s finally arrived.

MARILYN - Marilyn Hucek — MARILYN – Marilyn Hucek

Right out of the gate, MARILYN sets the tone with “I Made It,” a triumphant pop anthem that feels like the soundtrack to every dreamer’s breakthrough. It’s confident, radiant, and perfectly encapsulates Hucek’s evolution. And what a smart way to start a debut album. More of us should celebrate our accomplishments. With “I Made It” Hucek is acknowledging the dreams she’s been able to accomplish thus far while opening the door to a whole new fleet. There is something to be said about celebrating, while still looking ahead. It’s a message a lot of people need to hear.

“Naked” follows suit, leaning into more of a pop-rock edge that is as raw as it is irresistible. There’s a magnetic honesty in her delivery that makes you want to sing along and root for her all at once.

“Love To Hate You” slows the tempo, revealing her singer-songwriter roots with introspective lyrics and warm, organic production. It’s a reminder that even in her pop moments, Hucek can strip it back and be just as, if not more, impactful.

“Rebound” comes next. It’s a nostalgic burst of energy with a touch of “Teenage Dirtbag” charm. It’s pure, feel-good, windows-down joy. This chorus is an earworm that makes you want to hit replay as soon as it finishes.

Midway through the record, “To Be or Not To Be” offers one of her most vulnerable moments yet. It’s the emotional counterpoint to “I Made It,” stripping back the glitter and confidence to reveal the cost of chasing a dream. The juxtaposition is something everyone faces no matter the circumstance. There is always sacrifice, no matter what direction you go, but with ambition – the doubt and the longing is real.

The album closes in a beautiful way. “Me Salvaste El Alma,” is intimate and cinematic. And “Neil Young,” written in memory of her late father, is heartbreakingly beautiful, handling grief in a tender, reflective, and deeply human way.

MARILYN gives us everything with this debut: The dreamer, the fighter, the daughter, the artist. It’s a perfect introduction into the world of Marilyn Hucek, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.

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