MELANIE BAKER “GETS IT” ON STRIKING NEW ALBUM

ALBUM REVIEW | MELANIE BAKER – SOMEBODY HELP ME, I’M BEING SPONTANEOUS! elanie Baker by Charlotte Cairnie

Melanie Baker is one of those artists that just “gets it.”

The up and coming singer-songwriter from Newcastle is quietly carving out her space in the indie scene with a sound that feels raw, emotional, and completely unfiltered in the best ways possible. With the ability to blend indie pop with a slightly grungy edge and vulnerable vocals that sit around lo-fi guitars and subtle electronic touches, Baker creates something that feels both intimate and a little bit haunting. What really stands out though, is her lyricism. Baker dives into mental health, burnout, queer identity, and messy relationships in a way that feels more like reading someone’s late-night thoughts than listening to a polished track.

Her 2024 EP Burnout Baby really put her on the map. With support from various UK radio stations, it’s easy to see why people began connecting with her. There’s something so refreshing about her music and she’s so real and relatable to listeners.

Somebody Help Me, I’m Being Spontaneous! is one of those albums you put on “just for a second” to do some things around the house and then suddenly you’re three songs deep already staring at the ceiling, rethinking your entire life because this album just gets you.

Opening number, ‘AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!’ really sets the tone for the album, it starts very soft and breezy, then the vocals become harsh and the drums hit in. The total vine change shows how messy (in a good way) this album is going to be and we are experiencing Melanie’s thoughts alongside her. It’s soft, a little chaotic, emotional but also kind of warm and reassuring at the same time with no desire to leave. The whole album just flows so easily, nothing feels forced or overdone and it never tries too hard to be something it’s not. The honesty of the lyrics is what makes this album. Highlighting that feeling of knowing things are bad but feeling hopeful for the future is something that everyone can relate to.

Like diving into the notes app of someone going through a tough time, the song ‘My Head Fell Off Last Night‘ talks about feeling stuck in a depressive episode, even having mouldy food in the fridge. It highlights the feeling of knowing things are bad but not having the strength to get better. The raw acceptance is something that just feels so personal.

‘Bye Bye, Loser Blues‘ is a reflective track that marks a shift in tone within the album. It moves away from the raw breakup anger to something more subdued and introspective. With its looser rhythm and 90’s influenced guitars, this song feels like an emotional comedown. It is less explosive but more quietly cathartic. It captures the moment where frustration gives way to acceptance, blending self-aware sadness with subtle humour. While it may not stand out as strong as her more energetic tracks, it plays an important role in deepening the album’s emotional meaning, making it a thoughtful and necessary piece rather than a headline moment.

Everything about this album feels so natural and unfiltered. Baker is not trying to be perfect or polished, but she is trying to be real which makes everything hit that bit harder. A unique sound which just wraps around you, the record is messy in a way that feels safe; like she’s figuring things out in real time and you’re right there with her, overthinking everything together.

A little safe space in recorded format, Somebody Help Me, I’m Being Spontaneous! is perfect for those walks at night, staring out of bus windows, or having a dramatic main character moment. It’s cute and it’s chaotic but it’s also painfully relatable, which is a must in playlists around the world.

You can listen to Melanie Baker‘s new album on all music streaming such as Spotify , Apple Music and YouTube