You Wish by Lalaine: A Forgotten Pop Gem That Still Hits Right
Alright, let me just say this upfront—Lalaine’s You Wish is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released back in 2003 under Greenstar Records, it’s not exactly the kind of album you’d expect to stick around in your head for years. But here we are. It’s short, sweet, and kinda raw—a little snapshot of early 2000s pop ambition wrapped up in three tracks. And honestly? I can’t stop thinking about it.
First off, let’s talk about “You Wish.” The title track kicks things off with a punchy vibe that feels like stepping into a time machine set to Y2K-era teen dreams. Produced by Eric Isaacs and Jay Lazaroff (who clearly knew how to craft a hook), this song has got that bouncy energy that makes you wanna grab your Discman and hit the mall. What gets me every time is the way Lalaine delivers her lines—it’s confident but also a little unsure, like she’s figuring herself out while trying to own the room. You know that feeling when you’re young and everything feels so big and dramatic? Yeah, it’s like that.
Then there’s “Runnin In Circles,” which hits different. This one slows things down just enough to make you feel all the feels. It’s got this moody undertone, like late-night thoughts spilling out over a beat. The lyrics aren’t groundbreaking or anything, but they don’t have to be—it’s relatable as hell. Like, who hasn’t felt stuck running laps in their own mind? When Lalaine sings, it’s almost like she’s whispering secrets right into your ear. It’s intimate in a way that catches you off guard, especially after the bubbly opener. Props to her for co-writing this one because you can tell she poured some realness into it.
The instrumental version of “You Wish” at the end? Honestly, it’s a nice bonus, though I wouldn’t call it essential. Still, hearing the melody stripped back gives you a chance to appreciate the bones of the song without getting distracted by the vocals. Kinda cool if you’re into that sort of thing.
What really sticks with me about this EP isn’t just the music—it’s the effort behind it. Lalaine wasn’t aiming for perfection; she was aiming for connection. Sure, it’s rough around the edges compared to today’s hyper-polished pop standards, but maybe that’s why it works. There’s heart here, even if it’s buried under layers of early 2000s production choices.
So yeah, You Wish might not be an iconic masterpiece, but it’s memorable in its own scrappy way. Listening to it now reminds me of simpler times—when life felt smaller yet somehow bigger all at once. Funny how something so fleeting can leave such a lasting impression. Oh, and fun fact? Lalaine went on to act more than sing, which makes this project feel even more special. Almost like finding an old Polaroid tucked away in a drawer.
