In her new single, "Shoes," Avery Raquel offers listeners an intimate, occasionally uncomfortable glimpse into the openness of early relationships. The song establishes the mood early on, opening with delicate instrumentation and lyrics that delve into the kinds of questions many of us think about but are afraid to ask or perhaps really shouldn't.
Avery's openness and quiet strength are a testament to her songwriting. And the song is not only about jealousy or fear, it's also about the push-pull of human connection, self-examination, and the quiet worries that arise when love is new yet complicated. And there's an honesty that feels intimate, yet not too intimate, a deep sincerity, the kind of rare authenticity where Avery's music sounds like he's whispering his soul to you, rather than performing for our benefit.
"Shoes" highlights that Avery's growth as an artist hasn't slowed down. The instrumentation shifts from gentle to strained, mirroring the emotional push and pull at play in the lyrics. Every chord and vocal inflection seems carefully chosen, which amplifies the song's ruminative mood while also leaving ample space for others to project their own reflections on the track.
Most striking is how well Avery's personal story is transformed into something universal. The song is specific in its premise, it's about a new lover confronting the ghost of someone from a later time, but the emotions on display are instantly relatable. It's a tender and introspective reflection on trust, self-worth, and the messy, beautiful courage of intimacy.