Rex Orange County, the moniker of Alexander O’Connor, has released his new album, “The Alexander Technique,” offering listeners an emotional and introspective experience. For fans of authentic songwriting and relatable lyrics, this album is a deep dive into personal growth and navigating life’s changes, resonating deeply with anyone who appreciates music with substance, including guitar song enthusiasts.
Opening with the self-titled track “Alexander,” the album immediately sets a personal tone. The simple piano melody creates an intimate atmosphere, drawing the listener into O’Connor’s world. This track explores themes of self-acceptance and mental well-being, laying the groundwork for the album’s overarching message of personal evolution.
Tracks like “Guitar Song” and “2008” stand out for their introspective lyrics and musicality. “Guitar Song,” despite its title not explicitly focusing on guitar techniques, is a powerful reflection on personal change over time. It’s the kind of song that resonates with musicians who often use songwriting as a tool for self-discovery. “2008” acts as a nostalgic companion piece, grounding these introspections in specific moments from Rex Orange County’s life.
The album delves further into vulnerability with “Therapy,” a track that speaks to the comfort found in being truly oneself in a therapeutic space. This honesty extends to other songs like “4 In The Morning,” a highly relatable anthem for overthinkers, and “Jealousy,” which explores the complexities of this emotion with a beautiful orchestral backdrop. Even “The Table,” seemingly about an inanimate object, expands into deeper reflections on unseen connections and missed opportunities, showcasing O’Connor’s thoughtful songwriting.
“Carrera” is a pivotal track, revealing personal struggles from 2022 and the subsequent sense of liberation. The lyrics “I was in my prime / But what does it really mean to be in your prime / When you’re changing all the time?” encapsulate the album’s central theme of growth amidst change.
The latter part of the album explores relationship dynamics. “Look Me in the Eyes,” featuring James Blake, is a poignant ballad about moving on from a breakup, distinguished by its acceptance and healing rather than lingering pain. In contrast, “New Years” presents a conflicting perspective, highlighting the cyclical nature of hope and disappointment as a year begins and ends, adding a layer of complexity to the album’s exploration of personal change.
“The Alexander Technique” as a whole is an album about adaptation and introspection. Rex Orange County uses his music to process and share his journey of navigating new phases of life. The album’s core message is ultimately encouraging: if he can navigate these challenges, so can the listener. The concluding lines, “And if you’re sick of goin’ through Hell / Just know that I’ve been right there as well / It always go away after time passes by / So stick around and try,” offer a comforting and hopeful takeaway.
Overall Score: 8.5 / 10
Favorite Tracks: “ALEXANDER,” “THERAPY”
