Catie Turner’s songwriting is deeply personal. The way she writes is so specific to her situation, but it also becomes ultimately universal as listeners hear parallels to their own lives. What she might say about her own journey may just be what someone else needed to hear, and so far this year she’s done that twice with the ADHD anthem “Hyperfixations” and the wanting to be enough track “Easy”. She’s now backing it up with a third track from her forthcoming EP “Comedy & Tragedy: Part 1” which is out on June 9, and yep, it’s another relatable anthem.
“Hometown” reflects on the end of a relationship where she is processing from the hurt and betrayal, and finds herself becoming reclusive from the world from the fear of running into them. “I avoid New Hope and Belmar, all the places that you drive when you need a cigarette, an escape from daily life. I avoid Trevose and Street road, cause I’m scared you’ll think I’m following you” she sings before the heartbreaking revelation; “Even though it’s my hometown, I only feel safe in my room”. That lyric STUNG because of how beautifully honest and raw it is. Anyone that has gone through an earth shattering breakup will be able to relate to that sentiment. As she works through her emotions she sings “But I’m not sorry that I loved you. I’m only sorry that I saw something good in you” before vulnerably confessing in the final moments of the song; “But I’m not sorry that I loved you. I’m only sorry that that I still do”. Lyrically it reminds me of “Into You” from Julia Michaels where she draws the parallels of hiding from someone but simultaneously hoping they run into each other cause she misses them.
Sonically she begins the song in a very vulnerable and fragile place with just a piano, strings and her soft vocals. Perfectly capturing the built up angst of the situation she adds in guitars and a pop-punk styled production in the chorus. “Hometown” is the drive around the city at night song where you drive through a tunnel and just scream during the chorus. It’s an emotional release that is cathartic and is honestly very much needed. This is yet another perfect-pop moment from Catie Turner.