It's no small feat to attempt a thorough critique of the talented and enigmatic indie-rock stalwart, Bully. While her brand of fiery alt-pop songwriting has continued to surprise listeners and top charts since 2013, there are certainly unique aspects that can be considered both beneficial and detrimental for fans and critics alike. We’ve taken some time to deep dive into the music output by Bully in order to identify both what we view as positive attributes of her sound – whether it’s in regard to composition or lyrics – as well as areas that could benefit from more attention moving forward. For diehard followers on one side, or skeptic newcomers on the other, this is our comprehensive look at something critic and something good about Alabama based artist Alicia Bognanno’s project—Bully!
Bully, the brainchild of the talented Alabama-based singer-songwriter Alicia Bognanno, has been making waves in the indie rock scene since 2013. Her fiery alt-pop sound has captured the hearts of millions of listeners, and her music has consistently topped charts. However, while her music is undeniably impressive, there are certain aspects of it that can be deemed both advantageous and disadvantageous.
In this comprehensive critique, we take a closer look at the music output by Bully to identify both the positive attributes of her sound, whether it’s in composition or lyrics, as well as areas that could benefit from more attention in the future. We’ve put together this article for both die-hard fans and skeptical newcomers alike - so whether you're a longtime listener or just getting introduced to Bully's music, we’ve got you covered.
Composition:
One of the most striking aspects of Bully’s music is her incredible ability to blend and mash melodies and rhythms from various genres. From punk rock to grunge to folk, Bognanno has the ability to compile it all into something that sounds unique and fresh. If you’re not a fan of one genre, odds are you’ll still find something to love in Bully’s music.
Additionally, the intense emotion that is prevalent throughout her music is what sets her apart from many of her peers. The instrumentals of her music aren’t overbearing, which allows Bognanno’s voice and lyrics to occupy the center stage. Nothing is off-limits in her lyrics, which are oftentimes centered around personal experiences and emotional turmoil. Many of her songs deal with issues such as anxiety, depression, and heartbreak. These topics are sure to resonate with anyone who has ever gone through any kind of emotional struggle.
Lyrics:
Bully’s music is no doubt something that is meant to be felt more than understood. However, this doesn't mean that her lyrics are lacking! In fact, the lyrics of her songs provide an insight into the inner turmoil experienced by the artist. Her songs feel like confessional diaries where she lays out her raw emotions for all of us to see.
Bognanno’s lyrics are often packed with clever wordplay, deep metaphors, and striking imagery. They have the ability to be both poignant and humorous at the same time. Her ability to convey complex emotions in such a concise and thoughtful way is something that separates her from many other artists.
Bognanno’s lyrics are often packed with clever wordplay, deep metaphors, and striking imagery. They have the ability to be both poignant and humorous at the same time. Her ability to convey complex emotions in such a concise and thoughtful way is something that separates her from many other artists.
Areas that could benefit from more attention:
One thing that stood out to us while analyzing Bognanno's music is that there is a bit of a compositional plateau – that is, she seems to have a specific formula that she follows to great success, but lacks the inclination to try something different. In other words, while her music is great, it all sounds a bit too familiar and predictable at times.
Another area that could use some improvement is her vocal delivery. While her singing style is unique and emotive, there are moments where her voice cracks and misses notes. While this can add to the overall angst of the song, it can also come off as distracting.
After deep diving into Bully’s music, it's undeniable that Alicia Bognanno is an incredibly talented musician. From her ability to blend and mesh various genres to her intensely personal and emotional lyrics, her music is nothing short of a revelation. While there is always room for growth and improvement, this should not detract from the fact that Bully is a musical powerhouse worth listening to. Whether you're already a fan or have yet to discover her, we highly recommend giving her music a try. You won't be disappointed!
