Benee’s Ur an Angel I’m Just Particles: Transitioning to Adulthood

Benee has come a long way since her smash-hit single, “Supalonely,” which brought her global attention. The New Zealand singer-songwriter recently released her second studio album, Ur an Angel I’m Just Particles, which reflects the major change she faced moving from New Zealand to Los Angeles and the difficulties and opportunities the new city brings.

“I think it's impossible to not be affected by your environment when you’re making art,” she said when asked about the difficulties of her move. In a press conference, she described New Zealand as a bubble she lived in and how LA exposes people to shocking realities daily. One of these scary realities is homelessness and the weaknesses of the healthcare system, which opened her eyes to a new perspective. However, she expressed how her transition has allowed her to meet people of all backgrounds that she would not have met at home.

From hypnotizing hyperpop melodies to captivating synths, Benee delivers a beautifully written album that showcases her evolution into a more insightful and intentional musical artist.

The album title comes from a lyric in a demo she wrote a few years ago that stuck around with her ever since. The “Angel” mentioned in the title refers to the ethereal world she creates through songs like "Cinnamon" and “Princess.” Meanwhile, the title’s “Particles” refers to the existential emotions she has been experiencing lately.

Twelve tracks make up the new album, which takes listeners on an emotional journey of chaos, exuberance, and self-reflection.

If listeners want to hear a single track that encapsulates the whole album best, look no further than “Chainmail.” Benee uses the motif of “armor” throughout the album, a theme expressed most clearly in this song and reflected in the cover photo. The song is a response to the chaos of the world and the many challenges humans have to face,  which require a “tough exterior” or “thick skin,” as she describes it.

Another great track is “Cinnamon,” an upbeat pop track featuring a mellow bass and layered strings. The message of staying true to yourself amidst external turmoil is conveyed through the repeating lyric, "I might not laugh again, I'll cross my fingers 'til the end / And I’ll stay sweet like cinnamon.” Together, the optimistic lyrics and fast-paced melody create a song that is both uplifting and introspective.

“Underwater” was a particularly challenging song to finish, according to Benee, because it sounded muffled. It felt as if the listener was actually underwater, which overpowered the other elements in the song. “It made me realize how sometimes it's just removing elements, sometimes you can put too many things in a song,” she said. She views it as a “good challenge” where the struggle of finding the perfect balance was worth it, and the song is now one of her favorites.

“I wanted to make an album that was more concept-based; it had a theme that was really strong,” she said. It’s clear that she has accomplished just that, creating quirky and groovy beats while staying consistent with her themes of navigating adulthood.