It’s crazy to think that it has been a decade since we were graced with an album by Ashley Tisdale. After the success of Disney’s High School Musical, Tisdale captured more hearts and mouse ears with her 2007 debut, Headstrong, leading to the sassy follow-up of Guilty Pleasure in 2009.
Now as Tisdale has dealt with the trials of being in the public eye, it’s no surprise that the girl has stories…and they’re not always good ones. However, the trick is to turn those negatives into positives, and that is exactly what her third record, Symptoms, entails.
An inspiring journey through Tisdale’s struggles with anxiety and depression, Symptoms is exactly what we have been craving from the singer for the past ten years and then some. With experience comes maturity and insight, and if she’s made one thing perfectly clear, there’s no stopping this warrior. With each song representing a symptom of what she went through, Symptoms is a beacon of hope for those who may need a guiding hand paired with an electro-pop vibe that will have anyone feeling like they can conquer anything. The Tizz is back and we are so here for it!
Opening with title track “Symptoms,” Tisdale opens up about when she started dating her now-husband, Christopher French, along with all the anxieties of starting a new relationship when you’ve been burned before. “Looking Glass” challenges the status-quo of Instagram perfection, proving that what you see is only part of the story and maintaining an aura of perfection isn’t healthy or attainable. As much as we think we know our favorite celebrities by following them on social media, we really don’t know the half of it and treating them as things to be criticized rather than human beings is something that needs to change.
Vulnerability comes into play with “Love Me & Let Me Go” – a poignant tale of being freed from anxiety and all of the lies it tends to feed you while “Insomnia” reaches out for that safe haven that keeps the demons away. “Vibrations” just might be the new fan favorite with its exceptional pop/R&B sensibilities as Tisdale shares her need to avoid packed nightclubs, opting for cozy nights in with the people closest to her and microwaved Thai. Count us in!
“Under Pressure” is an anthem of a generation with its underlying message of wanting to take a time out from stress and enjoy life while “True Romance” is without a doubt the highlight of the album. With its funky pop meets reggae-esque chorus and reminder that relationships take patience and empathy, try not bopping your head to this one as it replays repeatedly in your head like a mantra. Not mad.
Once first single “Voices In My Head” comes into play, there’s really no denying the catharsis this album has been for Tisdale. As she emotionally describes the ways her mental health took its toll on her well-being, listeners become a part of the story, which at the end of the day, is what music is all about.
Our short but sweet journey closes on a high note with “Feeling So Good” – a joyous anthem of proof that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and better days up ahead. If you’re not there yet, hold tight. It’s coming. Until then, Symptoms will get you through it.
Well done, girl! It’s good to have you back.
Symptoms is available now here.
