quinnie Creates An Intimate Soundscape With Sophomore Album paper doll
Photo by Jaxon Whittington
Breakout singer-songwriter quinnie has hypnotized the music world with an incredibly intimate collection of songs that delve into love, loneliness, and everything in between. Riding the wave of her hit single “touch tank” and debut album flounder, the New Jersey-born singer-songwriter makes a strong return with the release of her second studio album, paper doll. With help from her longtime producers Jake Weinberg and Gabe Wax, quinnie has mastered her soundscape on this project, weaving together acoustic guitar plucks and imagery-filled lyrics to create a warm and inviting sonic atmosphere.
One aspect of paper doll that stands out from the moment the album begins is quinnie’s voice. Her breathy, captivating tone is highlighted in the mix of each and every song, bringing a raw and emotive quality to the entire album that makes the listener feel as if quinnie is serenading them directly. Her technique is also particularly notable; the vocal flips in “angel song” allow her to navigate the song’s ethereal melody with ease. Whether she is singing about personal insecurities or more general struggles of girlhood, quinnie’s vocal performance brings the topics she explores to life with effortless yet relatable delivery.
quinnie offers a genuine and intellectual display of songwriting on her sophomore album that touches on intimate relationships, freedom, and experiencing the joys of life to the fullest. The tracks “baja bird” and “rain machine” are gentle reminders that there is more to life than material possessions and physical pleasure. Lyrics such as “Nature’s indifferent to power and size / Sun on the cheeks makes us all squint our eyes / You won’t be remembered for your fancy clothes / So you’re too young to be feeling so old” are powerful echoes throughout the album as quinnie sings about staying present and soaking in the wonders of the human experience.
paper doll also blends the theme of finding joy and freedom in the little moments of life with the exhilaration of being in love. quinnie fantasizes over a romantic escape in “baby rockstar,” seeks a deeper type of connection in “a new shade of blue,” and expresses utter devotion in “for u.” However, she also reflects on feeling used for her body in “hate fuck,” the single that directly prefaced the release of the album. The lyrical content of the album is incredibly consistent, telling the story of quinnie’s emotions as she navigates the challenges of womanhood, the highs and lows of romantic and sexual relationships, and more.
If flounder was a strong start to quinnie’s musical journey, paper doll sees her flourishing more than ever in her sound. She seamlessly bridges the gap between bedroom pop and folk-rock music, creating a cozy and intimate feel to the album that sonically and lyrically pulls listeners’ heartstrings. quinnie’s career has only just begun, and as she embarks on her headline tour across North America this fall, she is certainly a name to remember.
