By: Staff
We have been huge fans of Lauren Presley for a long time, and when we heard about the release of "Can I Be Happy," we couldn’t wait to dive in.
In a world overflowing with musical talent, it takes someone truly special to stand out, and Lauren Presley does just that. Ever since her wildly successful and impressive release of "People Leave," we've been captivated by her artistry. So naturally, we rushed to the official YouTube Music channel to experience the highly anticipated lyric video for "Can I Be Happy."
The video sets the stage beautifully with a stunning cityscape at dusk, viewed from an airplane window. As the first chime of clear, resonant guitars plays, we are instantly drawn in by the raw emotion and intensity that Presley brings.
Then, the lyrics hit:
“The pressure is getting to me / Vicious cycle never ends”
These words immediately enrapture us, evoking a flood of emotions. The drums tap gently, subtly building tension, while Presley’s voice grows in intensity, layered with an aching angst. She masterfully utilizes a range of vocal techniques, blending swift, cutting phrases with soft yet frustrated falsetto, creating an emotionally charged contrast.
Then we hear:
“Tried all the medicating / And everything else / None of it helped”
At this point, the song’s direction becomes intriguingly unpredictable, making it even more exciting. It's far more exciting when you can't fully anticipate where a song is going, and Presley keeps us on edge. When the interlude strikes, there’s a near-complete silence that has us holding our breath. Then, just as suddenly, she unleashes her full vocal power in an explosive, in-your-face declaration. The shift in delivery is stunning, like a rocket launching into space, her voice soars with both confidence and struggle. The fusion of dark pop and pop-punk elements, emphasized by blazing drums and razor-sharp yet sweet vocals, creates an electrifying atmosphere. She seamlessly oscillates between vulnerability and heroic determination, making it feel as though a Marvel movie is missing its ultimate rock anthem.
Just when we thought we couldn’t be more impressed, Presley delivers:
“Make me happy”
And we are absolutely blown away. This line erupts from the deepest well of emotion, transformed into a nuclear-powered explosion of feeling. Immense credit goes to the engineer who meticulously captured this incredible performance. This is one of the most powerful vocal moments we’ve heard, its clarity, intensity, and sheer emotional weight are breathtaking. It’s compelling on every level, pulling at the heartstrings while simultaneously leaving us in awe. The lyrics lay bare an unfiltered, deeply human struggle, making Presley not just an exceptional artist but also a voice of strength for those who need one.
From the stunning vocal execution to the masterful musical arrangement, "Can I Be Happy" is an absolute triumph. Every technical element, from the instrumentation to the production, is outstanding.
Lauren Presley is not just an incredible singer and performer; she is a force to be reckoned with. Her team listed as Amy Asher, Mike Hart alongside Presley as co-writers and Mike Hart as producer deserves massive kudos for crafting such an unforgettable piece of work. This song is sure to receive the recognition and attention it so rightfully deserves.
Lauren Presley is a Nashville-based artist originally from Redwater, Texas, whose music seamlessly blends pop, alt-pop, and dark pop elements with deeply personal storytelling. She possesses a remarkable ability to translate raw emotion into hauntingly beautiful melodies, crafting songs that resonate with listeners on a profound level. With a knack for weaving introspective themes into her lyrics, she fearlessly explores self-discovery, resilience, and the universal pursuit of happiness. Her work continues to push artistic boundaries while remaining deeply authentic, making her a compelling voice in contemporary music. As she builds momentum with each release, it’s clear that her influence in the industry will only continue to grow.
Check out this latest release and listen to more on Spotify & YouTube