Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Suki Summer – Marianne (2024)

Every so often, a song comes along that captures the universal feeling of fleeting love, and Suki Summer’s ‘Marianne’ is one such track. On this latest offering, Summer channels the wistfulness of a summer romance that was never meant to last.  The song opens with reflective verses that conjure vivid imagery of sunlit moments and carefree days, contrasting with the yearning expressed in the second verse as Summer envisions an alternate reality where goodbyes are unnecessary. This progression of thought mirrors the emotional journey of accepting an ephemeral love – a sentiment that resonates universally.

Summer’s lyrical storytelling is raw and authentic, enriched by her reference to Normal People, Sally Rooney’s celebrated novel. The parallel between the song’s narrative and the book’s poignant themes adds another layer of depth. The decision to name the song after the fictional Marianne lends a cinematic quality, anchoring the song’s deeply personal origins in a broader cultural touchstone.

‘Marianne’ is a lush tapestry woven with indie-pop, dream-pop, and bedroom-pop elements. Produced with Basil’s gentle yet intricate soundscapes, the track captures the euphoria of a summer romance and the aching sadness of its inevitable end. Summer credits engineer Neil for helping her deliver a vocal performance that is as vulnerable as it is compelling, and the result is nothing short of mesmerizing.

The production, a collaborative effort with Basil and engineer Neil, is a masterstroke. Shimmering synths, airy harmonies, and melancholic undertones create a cinematic soundscape, perfectly complementing Summer’s lyrics. It’s music that transports you, evoking images of sunlit days and starry nights filled with laughter, love, and the inevitable ache of goodbye.  

What makes ‘Marianne’ stand out is Suki Summer’s fearless embrace of vulnerability. By channeling her personal experiences into her music, she creates a track that is both intimate and universally resonant. For anyone who has ever experienced a love that burned brightly but briefly, Marianne will feel like a warm, wistful hug. Summer’s ability to find beauty in heartbreak and gratitude in the fleeting is a testament to her growth as an artist and a storyteller. Reflecting on the release, Suki Summer shares, “Sometimes you meet someone and it’s like being able to finally hold onto the side of the pool after treading water for so long…”


Find out more about Suki Summer on her Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.


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