Stranger In The Alps: An Album Review

Phoebe Bridgers’ Stranger in the Alps is an aching, delicate debut that reshaped indie folk. Released in 2017, the album quietly introduced a voice that would come to define a generation of melancholy storytelling, one wrapped in reverb, bruised memories, and ghostlike intimacy. It’s Phoebe Bridgers’ coming-of-age moment, and it hasn’t lost its sharpness or relevance since.

The album opens with “Smoke Signals” a slow, immersive track that immediately sets the tone. Its vivid storytelling reflects Bridgers' talent for weaving memory and melancholy. She references cultural moments and personal heartbreaks with equal weight, crafting an atmosphere that is both intimate and cinematic.

One of the album’s most well-known songs, “Motion Sickness” demonstrates Bridgers’ ability to balance vulnerability with wit. The track, a response to a toxic relationship, pairs sharp, emotionally charged lyrics with upbeat instrumentation. It stands out as one of the more accessible songs on the record while still maintaining the emotional complexity that runs throughout the album.

Tracks like “Funeral” and “Demi Moore” delve deeper into themes of depression and self-worth, offering stark reflections with minimal production. Funeral, in particular, captures a sense of emotional numbness with heartbreaking simplicity. The album closes with “You Missed My Heart,” a cover of a Mark Kozelek and Jimmy LaValle song. It's a bold choice for a debut record and a testament to her artistic abilities.

Critically acclaimed upon release, Stranger in the Alps received praise for its emotional honesty and songwriting precision. It solidified Bridgers as one of the most promising new artists in indie music and laid the groundwork for her future collaborations and solo projects, including the Grammy-nominated Punisher and her work with boygenius.