I’ve said it before and I'll say it again, musical first impressions matter. And in a sea of captivating debuts, Sarabean’s album, please don’t let me be, fits right at home in the debut hall of fame.

Opening herself up completely in the name of music, Sara has strung a well-cultivated tracklist covering different aspects of love, loss, and self-reflection. Taking on unique, yet relatable topics, please don’t let me be, will make you feel one in the same – or at least understood – by the young singer.

While most tracks can be enjoyed as stand alone ventures, the project leans more on the side of a linear experience. Rooted in the progression of emotions felt due to complicated relationships and internal struggles, each track adds layers to the sentiments expressed in the previous one, all leading to the stunning and gut-wrenching finale “Belonged.”

Every piece matters. And, in the case of this project, thematic consistency means a great deal. Take, for example, the first two tracks, “Intentions'' and “Wicked Game.” “Intentions,” which opens up the portal into the complicated bonds and dynamics found on the album – hence the line “I don’t like your intentions, I just want your affections'' – leads right into her cover of “Wicked Game.” Speaking on the nuances of this cautious yearning, she sings, “Strange what desire will make foolish people do.” Although both tracks were written under different conditions, she uses them to drive her emotional narrative forward. And, as she moves further down the tracklist, she unravels feelings of desire for companionship (''Somebody”) as well as one-sided relationships, and the deceptions involved, “I was ur 2nd choice.” Simple yet impactful, Sara opts for a calmer sound. Never overpowering songs with boastful arrangements, dainty harmonies, acoustic guitars, and music box melodies are sprinkled throughout the album, drawing attention to the lyrics and her soft-vocals.

Introducing herself as the talented musician and songwriter that she is to the world, please don’t let me be, marks the first of many milestones crossed-off by the 18 year old. Filled with various takes on love and deception, the album is perfect to either bathe in your sorrow or go about your daily reflection. In both cases, Sarabean’s music will remain a trustworthy guide through your emotional jenga.

‍

‍