Album Review: Alone At Night by Unden Leslie
Alright, let’s talk about Alone At Night by Unden Leslie. This 2019 release from the US blends pop and pop/rock vibes into something that feels like a late-night drive with your thoughts. It's not perfect, but it sticks with you in ways you don’t expect. With tracks like “Alone” and “It Really Doesn’t Matter Much,” this album has moments where it just clicks—like when you're scrolling through Spotify on a random Tuesday and suddenly stop because something hits different.
First off, "Alone." Man, this track is hauntingly simple yet so relatable. The melody sneaks up on you, kinda like those nights when you’re sitting in your room overthinking everything. Leslie’s voice carries this raw honesty—it’s not flashy or overproduced, which makes it feel real. You know how sometimes music can make you feel less alone even though the lyrics are literally about being alone? Yeah, that’s what happens here. I found myself replaying this one more than once, especially during those “ugh, life” kind of days.
Then there’s “It Really Doesn’t Matter Much.” This song surprised me. At first listen, it seems chill, almost too laid-back, but then the chorus kicks in, and BAM—it grabs you. There’s this bittersweet vibe to it, like shrugging off something heavy while still feeling its weight. The guitar riff toward the end? Super underrated. It’s the kind of track that grows on you after a few listens, kinda like coffee or weird abstract art.
The rest of the album keeps things steady, with songs like “Shoulda Coulda Woulda Didn’t” adding some sass and “Peace” bringing a calming finish. Tracks like “Dance” and “Strength” bring energy without trying too hard, while deeper cuts like “Is the Universe Listening?” leave you wondering if Leslie was having an existential crisis while writing them (spoiler: probably).
What stands out most about Alone At Night is how human it feels. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel or compete with chart-toppers—it’s just telling stories. And honestly, isn’t that what good music should do? Make you feel seen, even for a moment?
Random thought to end this: If this album were a person, it’d be the friend who shows up uninvited to your house with snacks and stays way too late talking about nothing and everything. Weirdly comforting, right?
