“17,” a new single by Hailey Hermida, bursts onto the scene with the kind of spark in dry air, sudden, captivating, and impossible to miss. A mix of pop and rock that makes for sounds so dreamy yet fresh, like the ‘90s punk scene, pumping some heat into a room.
Full of catchy guitar riffs and an energetic feel, “17” somehow channels both chaos and control, it’s explosive yet heartfelt. The production, helmed by Grammy-nominated Riley Urick, lends the song a rich, layered texture. Every element is canonized to emphasize the emotion rather than soften it, leaving the agitation of teenage anger untouched.
Where the song really glows is in Hailey’s singing. Her singing is electric, acknowledging strength alongside openness. It’s not the kind of performance that wants to be heard, it requires submission. Her voice slices through that and the powerful music, catching the restless spirit of being seventeen with astonishing precision.
What resonates so universally about “17” is its message. And although it is about a specific age and feeling, the song represents a more universal desire to break free. It’s meant to be blasted, with the windows down, so all those big feelings can come flooding out.