Courtney Barnett addresses the complexity of change one guitar solo at a time on her fourth studio album, Creature of Habit
Written by Eve Elliot
Fans of Barnett will not be surprised to find that her new album is filled with clever lyrics that break down big concepts into digestible pieces, full of wit and humor. The album’s title, Creature of Habit, is ironic for a selection of songs focused on growing pains and all of the difficulties that accompany big changes.
The album opener, “Stay In Your Lane”, comes in punching and kicking with heavily distorted bass and a sharp, erratic feel to it. In the song, Barnett expresses the discomfort and stress of trying something new. She repeats phrases like “I know you’re trying to help me” and “please be patient”. It’s an intense and driving (but undeniably catchy) tune that makes you feel like you’re the one spiraling. Although most of the songs to come are more laid-back and focused on storytelling, “Stay In Your Lane” hooks you in right away and sets the stage for the tangled emotions being explored in Barnett’s songwriting.
“Site Unseen”, featuring Waxahatchee, exhibits a more positive and adventurous spirit as Barnett sings about the joy of jumping in blindly and figuring it out as you go. The two sing in the chorus, “Site unseen, I promise babe/Let’s figure out the rest another day”. Delicate guitar flourishes are sprinkled throughout the song, which add to the joyful and gentle nature of the lyrics.
One of the album highlights for me is the eighth track, titled “Same”. It begins with discordant guitar and lyrics about feeling small and insignificant. “I am a flea, I’m an amoeba/I’m gonna need you to analyze me”, Barnett sings. The chorus brings a nice resolve to the unpleasant verses, where Barnett reminds herself that things are “Not gonna be, be the same, the same, again”. Each chorus is bookended by a simple yet effective synth line. “Same” acknowledges the struggle of negative self-perception while highlighting the idea that everything is temporary and those feelings will change, just like everything else.
Barnett’s appeal comes from her ability to blend her signature, nonchalant sound with insightful lyrics that find meaning and relatability in the mundane. Creature of Habit is no exception to this. It’s an album that you can groove along to with friends and one that you can sit quietly with as you let the lyrics wash over you. The album closer, “Another Beautiful Day”, ends with the sound of birds chirping and Barnett’s voice echoing and fading away in the distance. It’s a soft ending that nudges us to go take advantage of our own beautiful days because nothing lasts forever.
