Sabrina Teitelbaum, known by her stage name Blondshell, has released her second album “If You Asked for a Picture.” The album showcases Teitelbaum’s growth as an artist and her ability to navigate the complexities of her personal life through her music. The album’s sound expands on the 1990s alt-rock influences of her debut, incorporating dream-pop harmonies and saturated guitars. Producer Yves Rothman helps create a swirling, shape-shifting soundscape that complements Teitelbaum’s straightforward vocals and introspective lyrics.
Throughout the album, Teitelbaum grapples with themes of romance, grief, and self-discovery. She reflects on the loss of her mother in 2018 and the impact it has had on her life. Songs like “Event of a Fire” and “What’s Fair” delve into these deeply personal experiences.
Teitelbaum’s lyrics are raw and honest, often questioning her own decisions and relationships. In “He Wants Me,” she sings, “I’ll stick with you, ’cause I like sleeping well,” while in “Man,” she ponders the reasons for staying in a relationship.
Blondshell’s evolving musical journey
The album’s title track, “If You Asked for a Picture,” is inspired by a 1986 poem by Mary Oliver. Teitelbaum explains, “I had initially overlooked it when I was reading a lot of her poems and found it again after I made the album. I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is how I feel.'”
Teitelbaum’s vulnerability shines through in tracks like “Toy,” where she confronts issues of control, and in her exploration of broken family dynamics.
She admits that writing songs helps her process her emotions and gain clarity about her relationships. Compared to her debut album, “If You Asked for a Picture” embraces more of Teitelbaum’s feminine side. She says, “The last album feels much more masculine to me than this album, and it was something I had to push myself to do, to be comfortable with adding in more femininity.”
Teitelbaum draws inspiration from artists like Lou Reed, whose song “Coney Island Baby” she admires for its pure and unfiltered honesty.
She also praises Donny Hathaway’s bold rendition of a John Lennon song. As Blondshell continues to gain recognition, Teitelbaum remains committed to sharing her personal stories and experiences through her music. “If You Asked for a Picture” showcases her growth as an artist and her willingness to embrace vulnerability in her songwriting.
