Dublin-raised songwriter Ailbhe Reddy resurfaces today with the radiant single “Align,” the first single from her upcoming third album, due in early 2026 via Don Giovanni Records. Reddy has a fine talent for homing in on those quiet emotional truths and translating them into song, and her new single is a lesson in tender introspection.
“Align” captures that messy moment, that fragile moment, when you can wish someone well, at a distance, even with residual hurt. Indeed, Reddy describes the track as being about getting to that point where you can really wish someone well, even though it still hurts, a sentiment that seems to walk the line between grief and hope. The song’s soft, thoughtful arrangement reflects this emotional equilibrium, allowing the listener space to take in the ache of moving on subtly. With two acclaimed albums already to her name, the Choice Music Prize-nominated Personal History and Endless Affair, Reddy has always been praised for turning the intimate into the universal. Outlets such as The Guardian, Pitchfork, and The Times have noted her knack for articulating life’s in-between moments, and her live sets at Glastonbury, SXSW, and The Great Escape have only enhanced her reputation for gripping, intimate storytelling.
“Align” seems like a natural progression from this gift. Reddy’s floaty singing glides lightly over muted instrumentation, pulling listeners into a contemplative, nearly meditative headspace. There’s a quiet strength to how she layers in tenderness with the lingering ache, which makes the song read as both deeply personal and universally relatable.
“Align” offers a tantalizing glimpse into the next chapter of Reddy’s musical journey, an album that will delve into the depths of love, loss, and the delicate art of emotional strength once again. It’s a song that stays with you long after the last note is played, a subtle lament that sometimes the hardest thing about moving forward is letting go gracefully.