Rightfully dubbed a raw and vulnerable coming of age project, “What Hasn’t Killed Me” is the third studio album from Rachel Cousins – and one that boasts a new version of this award-winning Atlantic Canadian singer-songwriter – showing her audience that she’s extended beyond the usual pop-radio portfolio to deliver a more intimate journey in her music. From the struggles of addiction and failure to the scare of bullying, to admitting that we all need help now and then, the album reflects on pieces of life many hate to admit or bury in the depths of one’s memories. And above all – it’s beautiful!
Partnered with GRAMMY Award-winning producer Greg Wells (Taylor Swift, John Legend), Cousins found herself breaking through the comfort of pop ballads to find herself back to the groundwork of where her music sprouted roots. “Songs started pouring out of me. What used to take days came in under an hour. For the first time in years, I felt free,” Rachel admits. “Greg saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself.”
Holding nothing back for this new album, Cousins released a single in advance that cuts right to the heart of the undeniable vulnerability she is sharing with her listeners. “Crying While Wasted,” release back on August 15, gives us a front row seat to a piece of truth Rachel put on the table this time around. She elaborates, “Crying While Wasted pulls back the curtain of a part of my life I’ve never shared before. Writing it was cathartic, and my hope is that someone out there hears it and feels a little less alone in their struggles.” This cut is a gracefully crafted journey through her relationship with alcohol. Set to a steadfast and hopeful tune that reassures us of her success in becoming sober, Rachel relates to the embarrassment, denial, and self-reflection she encountered along the way.
My attention is drawn to a close friend who would surely relate to this tune all too well, and I tell her often how proud I am of her coming through her battle stronger and wiser (Happy 983 days, girl, but who’s counting?)! One line in particular struck a chord with me as a truth many of us carry: “We all have our vices / and they’ve got different prices.” We indeed have our own struggles in life, and it can be much easier getting through the hard stuff when we have friends and good music close by.
Each of the nine tracks on this album highlight Rachel’s vocals and her messages with the same vibrancy we’ve come to expect, but with a more intimate twist. The entire album is just lovely; however, I can’t help but appreciate “Standing Still” just a bit more because it speaks to being careful not to remain stuck in the past or too fearful to look forward. This song is a great reminder to myself even today, as if Rachel is directing the chorus at me: “Wish you cared less about all the mess ups / It gets in the way of all the good stuff / Let it in and let yourself be scared / ‘Cause standing still doesn’t get your anywhere.” This is one of the best parts of finding music that resonates so deeply. We are all in this life together, sharing micro moments that connect us ear to ear, one tune at a time.
Released just last Friday through Scilly Cove Records, I highly recommend giving “What Hasn’t Killed Me” a spin or two. You might just find yourself a new favorite artist!
Photo Credit: Hilda Cousins
Jess has always enjoyed a wide range of music genres and eras. Connecting deeply with classical music, she played cello from grade school through high school, and although no longer actively playing, her affinity for finding an emotional connection to music is still strong. Residing in central PA, she is new to the Canadian music scene and enjoys listening to new artists as a way to break away from “the usual.” Jess is an avid yogi who often finds a sliver of peace while on the yoga mat with good music playing in the background.
