“Pretender” by Alice Phoebe Lou
This soft alternative song feels like a gentle breeze on a warm day. It is intimate and real, yet something everyone should hear.
The melody sounds minimal and delicate, yet the lyrics are emotionally grounded. The subtle guitar chords align effortlessly with Alice’s vocals. Throughout the entire song, her voice remains angelic and airy. It sounds very acoustic, which allows the authenticity and purity of her voice to come through clearly. The song doesn’t have dramatic changes, tongue-twisters, or a loud beat because, as she says herself, softness is a strength too.
Her raw and honest lyrics like “I’m glad I stayed myself” and “I deserve my honesty” highlight the message of the song: staying true to yourself and listening inward. Although the sound is soft and “introverted,” the message behind it is quite strong. Self-worth, self-trust, and authenticity are important topics that arise in everyone’s life at some point. But Alice is not pretending in this song. She’s singing with no overexpression, no dramatics, just what she feels.
Diving deeper into the lyrics, she starts the song with a beautiful metaphor: “I like it when you take the reigns / It’s easier than playing games”, implying that it’s easier when someone else helps you decide or shapes who you are. Later in the song, she’s grateful that, along the way, she tried to stay true to herself and not be influenced by others. When she didn’t trust herself, she immediately regretted it: “I didn’t listen to my gut and it shows.” But she doesn’t frame self-love as something easy. In her last verse, she sings: “How sweet it could be / if I could love myself / even when I wanted to be someone else,” underlining the struggle of turning inward and loving yourself through all the phases you go through.
Overall, this song made me feel like receiving a soft hug from a friend, or reading a sweet diary note. It is relatable and comforting. The longer you listen, the more you’re pulled into a calm atmosphere. Her song almost feels like a safe space while being vulnerable and simple.
This song is for everyone who needs a gentle reminder to take a breath and feel safe in their own skin. Whether you’re walking through the rain with headphones in, journaling in bed, or sipping tea on a quiet evening, Pretender will meet you there. It’s soft and cute, but also strong in its vulnerability.
I would recommend this song to fans of artists like Noah Kahan, Dora Jar, or Gracie Abrams with all being known for their introspective lyrics and authentic sound. Yet Alice Phoebe Lou’s uniqueness stands out. She holds her own place in this space, offering something delicate, honest, and completely captivating.
Pretender is a sweet reminder that strength doesn’t always have to roar — sometimes, it whispers from within.
