The genre of the “sad bop” is becoming more and more prevalent in music at the moment, a style of music that despite its upbeat and dancey instrumentation and feel contains a heavy and emotionally powerful message at its heart. One of the leading proprietors of this art form is English singer/songwriter, Maisie Peters.

Peters first came to my attention when I heard her 2017 single, Birthday, and was instantly thrown by the poignancy of the lyrics and how they seemed at contrast to the warm and upbeat piano melody working through the song. Peters has said in interviews that this was her intention with the song and that she wanted to represent how feelings of emptiness and disappointment can still manifest themselves at times when they shouldn’t.

The most recent release by the singer/songwriter from West Sussex is yet another demonstration of the songwriting talent of Peters, and probably my favourite release from her so far.

Favourite Ex sees Peters think back on the one that got away, and does so in a way that suggests that she still remembers the situation favourably. This is an experience that most people will relate to as everyone will recognise the idea of wondering why it didn’t work out.

“And you were my best nights and worst fights
And couldn’t care less
You were my gold rush to cold touch
Favourite ex
And all of the others cancel out each other
And it’s always you left
You were my no sleep, cried for weeks
Favourite ex”

Ultimately, I think what properly draws me to this song is the sentiment at its core. Most songs that deal with failed relationships in our past come with a negative and view the person at its core from a negative viewpoint. These songs always seem to wish bad on that person, or feel as though life is just so much better now that you’ve moved on. This viewpoint has always seemed strange to me, because as someone who has never been able to harness any bad feeling towards the people that I am no longer romantically involved with, there is something reassuring when I hear songs like this that show me that I’m not wrong to not be feeling negative. Things didn’t work out, fine, but you can still remember those times fondly and wish the best on the other person with out feeling the need to hate them. Which I argue is a healthier outlook than the alternative.

Keep it going, Maisie, people need songs like these…

MK