Chrissy Channels the Emotional Turmoil of "The Bell Jar" Into Her Own Sonic Work of Art
Slyvia Plath's The Bell Jar, like many other literary works exploring mental health and the harsh reality of coming of age, has served as a source of inspiration for countless musicians. The boundaries between different art forms seem to dissolve, making it easy to draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including stories, visual art, even architecture, and now a sweeping, emotional single from rising artist Chrissy.
"The Bell Jar," inspired by the novel of the same name, draws upon similar emotions and experiences of the novel's main character, Esther Greenwood, who is a brilliant but troubled student at Smith College. While interning at a fashion magazine in New York, Esther suffers a mental breakdown, and the song explores her struggles and challenges, delving into her inner turmoil and feelings of loneliness.
Chrissy's song captures these messy feelings of coming of age and the uncertainty of life, honing in on the essence of Esther's experience. The connection between these two art forms is clear and is evident in the song's lyrics. “This sadness runs so deep that my feet can’t reach the bottom,” she sings.
The opening notes of "The Bell Jar" are carried by the gentle strumming of a simple guitar, providing an airy backdrop for Chrissy's captivating vocals to take center stage. The melody moves forward at a steady pace, gradually building up to the chorus, where the production takes on a more complex and layered sound, adding depth and texture to the acoustic narrative. With a subtly addictive chorus and unique feel, this song truly stands out as one of Chrissy's best efforts to date.
Chrissy's style is reminiscent of the untouched beauty of a beach before sunrise. Her captivating voice, along with her unique take on traditional folk that elevates simplicity to otherworld heights, mesmerizes.
Listen to the "The Bell Jar" below:
