Traversing from piano-driven mystique into rousing rock theatrics, “Sanity” is a riveting new single from Hallie Marie. The Denver-Based musician follows up previous single “Indebted” with this stirring success. “Sanity” also envelops in its thematic focus, reflecting on how the freedom of something new — whether in the form of a place, person, or activity — can be freeing, though can also bring forth later repercussions. The overall structural drive, growing into moody organs and haunting vocal layers, feels artfully reflective of these shifting landscapes and experiences.
“This song is about me losing myself in all the excitement of new loves and places, but then getting carried away by the exhilaration, which starts out fun but sometimes gets me into trouble,” Hallie Marie says. “Having fun can be intoxicating but when taken too far can have negative consequences.”
“Sanity, come take a picture with me,” her vocals invite amidst debonair piano and guitar intertwining, consuming from the get-go. More expressive rhythms and added guitar distortion pair with the introspective lyricism impactfully, as the production swells enjoyably. “I left my dreams in another city,” an anthemic ascent begins, bolstering themes of escapism — and how entertaining a merry-go-round of different cities, friends, and relationships can feel like a lulling escape from gritty reality. An organ-driven segment enthralls as the finale approaches, combining with a screaming effect for a theatrical, horror-film feeling. A ghostly conclusion satiates, as the vocals exude a memorable catharsis: “If I learn and it all comes back to me, I finally break free.”
