Girlpuppy’s Sweetness, released through Cargo Records, presents a collection of alt-pop tracks, a breakup album which blends raw emotion with polished production. At 26 years old and hailing from Atlanta, Becca Harvey is making significant strides in establishing her voice as an artist.

The lead single, I Just Do!, encapsulates much of the album’s charm and its pitfalls. It’s melancholic yet exudes an upbeat, poppy vibe reminiscent of boygenius, especially in its emotional depth and musical pacing. The track is undeniably catchy and well-crafted, but it may also leave you yearning to return to ‘the record’ instead of diving deeper into Harvey’s world. This feeling of familiarity continues throughout the record, where the sound—while pleasant—rarely veers into unexpected territory.

Champ is a song that delves into themes of heartbreak, highlighted by lines like “you toss me away and you push me aside.”It has a captivating flow that showcases Harvey’s talent for crafting melodies. The track concludes with an old-school, abrupt ending, mirroring the suddenness that often accompanies the end of a relationship.

Another track that stands out in both sound and sentiment is “Windows.” It features floaty, ethereal vocals and dreamy keyboard sounds reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac. While the song’s reflective lyrics are poignant, the storytelling about heartbreak and longing feels somewhat simplistic.

Since April hits a more dynamic note with its moody, rocking bridge and powerful guitar work, creating a moment that packs a punch. The line “every single day is hard, every single day is hard” encapsulates a universal feeling, and it’s easy to imagine this one resonating with listeners in a way that could make it a defining track for many. It has nostalgic energy and feels like something befitting of a noughties rom-com, and that’s both a strength and a weakness—it’s easy to love, but hard to escape the feeling that you’ve heard it before.

Sweetness is a solid second album that showcases Girlpuppy’s potential as an artist. The melodies are lovely, the arrangements are satisfying, and her vocal range is impressive. Harvey draws inspiration from Matt Berninger, Leonard Cohen, and Avril Lavigne, which is evident in various tracks. While there are some standout moments, the album ultimately falls short of capturing the groundbreaking spirit that could have made it truly special.

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