The band COIN is a Nashville based group that formed in 2012 when they released their first EP. They combine synth pop and some 90s influenced rock to create a unique sound. “I’m not Afraid of Music Anymore” is their fifth studio album, one that came after a period of writer’s block. Once the group faced their fears of rejection and failure in the industry, they were able to freely write songs that felt true to both their sound and inner feelings. The album was released Sep. 13, 2024. 

“It’s Hard to Care About Everything”

The opening track definitely reverts back to the group’s “Dreamland” era. I love the synth sound, and it definitely gives me montage-esque vibes. Speaking directly to a music movie producer here, put this song on the big screen now. 

Favorite lyric: “We go ‘round and ‘round and ‘round and ‘round/ Fallin’ out of love and out of town for a change.”

“Take it or Leave it”

This next track has my favorite beat on the album. There’s definitely a groove for dancing around alone in your room or with someone in the kitchen. According to lead singer Chase Lawrence, this song was the first written for the album. It was the second single released, and fans immediately took it as a sign that COIN was back. 

The song deals with a troubling relationship, where one person realizes that one, they are putting more work into it, and two, nothing healthy will amount from the pain. Finally, you realize this relationship is turning you into someone you never wanted to be, so you break it off. 

Favorite lyric: “Where did all the time go? And when did I turn psycho?”

“Asking for a Friend”

This song is okay by any standard. Musically, I think there’s a lot going on, so it’s hard to focus on any single aspect. In terms of the message, I think it’s easily relatable for loads of people. It touches on that aspect of liking someone you know is way out of your league, so you tend to cover your tracks by simply stating “I’m just asking for a friend.”

Favorite lyric: “I start to stutter and I wonder if I have an excuse, I got nothing to lose.”

“Slack”

“Slack” is an absolute masterpiece in all aspects. The one thing that really stands out to me is the way you can hear someone clapping during the pre-choruses. Something about it just elicits a smile, I guess because it reminds me of being younger. There’s also a build to the chorus that makes your jaw drop. Interestingly enough, there’s a couple of allusions to their earlier hits, “Talk too Much” and “Crash my Car.” According to the group, this track actually acknowledges that COIN has been pulled just about every way you can be, but still manages both musical optimism and realism.

Favorite lyric: “But you don’t ever need me ‘til I’m leaving, then I come right back/ Cut me some slack.”

“Along for the Ride”

If there’s one song you should consider adding to your playlist, it needs to be this one. I think this is the perfect track for late night drives, clearing your head drives or belting with your friends drives. The drums are incredible, the little hint of piano and the vocals. Emphasis on the vocals. I think this song is COIN connecting with all of their fans, collectively. It deals with a sense of fear from their musical block, but they are leveling with us. My interpretation is that this song was the group almost begging fans not to give up on them and their talent.

Favorite lyric: “New ending, it’s beginning now/ Flip the script, cut the blinds/ Read your mind and spell it out.”

“Problem”

This one is definitely more alternative, so if you like that, then this will be your jam. There’s a heavy guitar dominance that feels very metal. I do enjoy the passion, and even some anger, in lead singer Chase Lawrence’s voice.

Favorite lyric: “I feel a little sleazier, I do it for the culture/ I’m not a cover for a creature, Baby I’m a vulture.”

“Blueberry Smoothie”

I love when artists take something so simple and make such a creation out of it. In this case, Lawrence mentioned this song came from the breakfast he eats every morning. The slow build in this track is everything I could have ever wanted, and I enjoy the distressed sounds in the back of the song. The ending, though, where most of what you can hear is the guitar, healed something deep within me.

Favorite lyric: “I’m falling dead asleep, good love is killing me/ Oh God, I can hardly breathe, this time.”

“222”

The choice to hold back Lawrence’s vocals definitely adds to the vulnerability of this track. It screams two things to me. One, driving through your home town on a sunny day in April. Two, doing some cleaning on a Sunday reset. Both feelings are two of the most refreshing experiences, especially after a rough day, and I think that speaks volumes for this song.

Favorite lyric: “Just smile for me, smile for me/ Can’t you just smile for me?”

“Growing Song”

On a personal level, I feel this song deeply. The message is clear, and I think you can apply it to a romantic relationship, a friendship or even to yourself. This song touches on growing apart from a certain someone, but acknowledges that it’s never easy to say goodbye. There is always a part of us that will second guess if the choice to leave, or the person we are becoming, really is what is best. 

Favorite lyric: “How many heart attacks get second chances? Goodbye to the part of me I never really knew.”

“Bloodtype”

This song is the shortest in the album, and I would not necessarily say it’s one of my favorites. The entirety of it is slow and mellow, that is until the outro, where Lawrence gets more powerful. I wish more of the song was like the end, so this one ranks on the lower end for me.

Favorite lyric: “And you, you cut right to the truth/ Hold me down with common sense.”

“Olivia”

I love the softness of this song. It’s the perfect balance of slow and subtle, mixed with a bit of pining lyrics. Lawrence taps into sensitivity and vulnerability, missing someone named Olivia. Either he messed up in a relationship, or there was some disconnect because he is doing some serious pining in this song. 

Favorite lyric: “I’ve been on a bitter end/ Cry, baby, cry.”

“Strawberry Jam”

This was the first single released for the album, as it came out June 7. “Strawberry Jam” is one of my favorites from the album. It starts off pretty simple in terms of rhythm, but then it taps into a more funky side with a harmonica. The uniqueness captured me at first, and then I started digging for the meaning. It deals with having doubts about yourself, who you are at the core, and then how that feeds into relationships. At the core, it’s all connected, and I love how this song addresses that.

Favorite lyric: “We fell in love in a parachute, but I set off like a rolling stone/ And I apologize to you, I apologize for that.”

“Sing Along”

The intro to this one feels a bit old school. Just a guitar and some echoey vocals. There’s something familiar about this song, but I cannot pinpoint anything specific. If you’re in a crying or sentimental mood, definitely give this one a listen. Add it to the sad vibes playlist.

Favorite lyric: “Somewhere in outer space, I know there’s a place where we could float forever.”

“Leaving a Light on”

This track is probably the most raw and fitting for the album. It addresses the fact that the band felt disconnected from their own music after their last album. COIN even struggled with the idea of quitting music, feeling like they said everything they had to say. “Leaving a Light on” is just what it says. The group returned to the reason they started making music, which is solely because they love it. 

Embedded in the song is some whistling, soft drums, a simple guitar strum and raw vocals. It takes me back to older COIN, which I think is exactly what they were going for. They wanted to end the album where it all began.

Favorite lyric: “Sometimes it feels like the first time, sometimes you never say goodbye.”