Review
"Be the Cowboy" by Mitski is just a sticker album that's been on repeat since 2018, and I get why! There's a raw emotional cocktail of fame, identity, and love coursing through each track that has a way of making you feel seen. I love how "Geyser," the opening track, just grabs you with its intensity, showcasing Mitski's solid piano skills alongside her talent for turning deep emotions into music. There’s a sincerity in her voice that makes it hard not to hang onto every syllable.
Throughout the album, Mitski dances with the idea of perfection, pouring heartfelt lyrics into each song as she explores personal faults and dreams against the backdrop of her life in the spotlight. She does so with such artistry, alongside producer Patrick Hyland, who helps keep the sound crisp and focused, really letting her vocals shine through. And then there’s that album cover—Mitski in a white floral swim cap and bold lipstick—it's visually striking and fits perfectly with the album's themes of vulnerability and the elusive nature of control. All in all, "Be the Cowboy" is a stunning exploration of the complexities of self and stardom that feels both profoundly personal and universally relatable. - Sienna
Artist Bio
Mitski is a Japanese-American singer-songwriter who started releasing music in 2012 while studying studio composition at SUNY Purchase. Now based in the US, she gained recognition for her heartfelt lyricism and genre-crossing approach, blending indie rock, lo-fi, alternative, and art pop across a series of acclaimed albums like *Be the Cowboy* and *Puberty 2*. Her songs such as "Nobody" and "Working for the Knife" have gone viral online, and she has contributed to soundtracks as well as collaborated with artists including Katie Gavin. Mitski signed with the indie label Dead Oceans after self-releasing her first two albums, and her music is often compared to artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Sharon Van Etten, and St. Vincent. Throughout her career, she has been praised for her vulnerable storytelling and has developed a dedicated following within the indie scene.
