There is something eerily haunting about “Julia” by Gal Musette, but at the same time mesmerizing.
The fourth single from her October 2021 debut album, ‘Backwards Lullaby,’ takes listeners inside an adolescent narrative that many often keep quiet about because for some reason we’ve been led to believe that kids are always happy-go-lucky beings. When in reality, that’s far from the truth. To live is to feel, right? And feel they do as the person behind this tale is a youthful person dealing with a lot – from OCD to issues trusting others to fear and mental health struggles. It’s a lot for anyone of any age to carry.
When things get too heavy, we often look for outlets and as kids, our imaginations can and often create these friends no one else can see, but who are comforting companions. Julia represents that friend and in many ways reminds me of Fred in the ‘90s movie, ‘Drop Dead Fred.’ He was an old imaginary friend that came back into play when his kid was an adult but struggling once more. “Julia” would’ve been interesting to hear amid the comedic movie, perhaps during the dream sequence.
On the surface, this is a song that sounds serene, and it is one you can get lost in. I did for about a half-hour as I just kept hitting repeat, wondering if, at 34, I could have a Julia to confide in? Lyrically though, it’s one of those songs you have to slowly pick apart, but once you do – the emotional connection will be there, always and forever.
‘Backwards Lullaby’ is out October 2021, and “Julia” is available now on all major music and streaming platforms.
Written by Kendra Beltran
