There’s never a complete shortage of talented young-ish people struggling to build traction for their careers as singers and songwriters. Take Salem IIese, for example; she began taking classes in songwriting at the age of ten in San Francisco. Almost a decade later, her hit single “Mad at Disney” was awarded a spot on Rolling Stone’s Top 100 Popular Songs in 2020. She also found more followers and online success with the single “PS5,” a collaboration with Tomorrow X Together.
Fast forward to September 2023, with boss energy, Salem IIese is an artist who refuses to sit still. Though she took time off to amplify her songwriting, she staged this fun comeback more rooted in pop than ever.
Looking like a modern-day indie-rock princess, Salem recently dropped High Concept, an album that is not 100% distinctive but feels familiar in a good way.
Astonishingly self-assured in her lyrics, High Concept is populated with 12 brand new tracks that clock in just under thirty minutes. With sweeping guitar, irresistible keys, and gleeful drumming, each song has its own story sprinkled throughout. Salem uses her songs as love letters that document anger, confusion, sex, disappointment, and the always-present relationship with the wrong guy. The songs concern being in different places and stages of love and life. Listeners will immediately recognize Salem knows how to apply her tone and songwriting skills in the best possible way.
“Team Sport” is a delight and not what you think it is from what the title suggests. This track is about a girl giving more than she gets in return from her boyfriend. The line “trying not to keep score” screams volumes about how Salem has the technique to make art out of a breakup.
“Strongly Worded Letter” is a snarling, good-bye song about a guy who was more work than what he was worth.
“Don’t Shop When You’re Hungry” featuring Vaultboy is a welcome change of pace. With its escalating beats, this hip-hop anthem format is one that I hope Salem revisits in the future.
“Threesome” unravels a swift, precise, and rhythmic track about the joys of self-pleasure and the girl who is not bashful to give a loud and proud shout-out.
High Concept has a big throw-back aspect, and Salem IIese straddles the album with tough talk that is awash with style.