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Phoebe Bridgers' "Lost Weekend": Pop stardom isn't always pleasant
๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡น Austria /Energy & Infrastructure

Phoebe Bridgers' "Lost Weekend": Pop stardom isn't always pleasant

From Die Presse · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Phoebe Bridgers' new album, "Lost Weekend," is being hailed as potentially her best work, following her acclaimed "Punisher" and her Grammy-winning trio Boygenius.
  • The album features autobiographical lyrics, including confirmation of her past engagement to actor Paul Mescal and perceived imitation by singer Gracie Abrams.
  • Bridgers, known for her melancholic yet beautiful songs, continues to resonate with listeners, particularly those drawn to her introspective and emo-influenced style.

Phoebe Bridgers' latest solo album, "Lost Weekend," released six years after her previous work, is generating significant buzz and is being considered by many as her finest artistic achievement to date. This follows a period of intense creative output, including her critically acclaimed 2020 album "Punisher" and her Grammy-winning collaboration with Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker in the indie supergroup Boygenius.

The 31-year-old singer-songwriter, often described as a "Taylor Swift for the depressed" or for those with "Goth or emo pasts," is renowned for embedding deeply personal "Easter eggs" within her lyrics. "Lost Weekend" is no exception, containing lines that confirm speculation about her past engagement to Irish actor Paul Mescal. Bridgers also touches on her perception that fellow singer Gracie Abrams, Mescal's current partner, imitates her style both "in bed and on stage," a detail that garnered attention in celebrity media even before the album's release.

Iโ€™m supposed to be married, but I called it off.

โ€” Phoebe BridgersBridgers confirms speculation about her past engagement to actor Paul Mescal on the title track of her new album 'Lost Weekend.'

Bridgers first gained recognition with her 2017 debut, "Stranger in the Alps," a collection of folk-infused songs exploring themes of grief, loss, and toxic relationships with a mature, angelic voice. Her global breakthrough came with "Punisher" in 2020, an album whose atmospheric soundscapes provided a fitting soundtrack for the pandemic era.

In addition to her solo career, Bridgers has been a prolific collaborator. She formed the band Better Oblivion Community Center with Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes. The success of Boygenius, which released its debut LP and several songs, further cemented her status as a major force in contemporary guitar-driven rock music, earning them multiple Grammy awards in 2024.

She imitates me in bed and on stage.

โ€” Phoebe BridgersBridgers references her perception that singer Gracie Abrams imitates her style, a lyric that gained attention prior to the album's release.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Presse in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.