Gatlin Doesn't Shy Away From Her Messy Feelings in 'I Sleep Fine Now'
Photo: Wrenne Evans
Pop songstress Gatlin has released her third EP, I Sleep Fine Now, a collection of tracks detailing the mourning of a relationship and the lasting effects of a messy breakup. After studying songwriting in Nashville and debuting in 2020, Gatlin has been captivating listeners with her introspective music and has gained popularity through songs like “talking to myself” and “never been in love.”
I Sleep Fine Now starts with the cheeky tone and a plucky guitar strum of “Really Funny,” setting the scene for a rollercoaster of emotions. It serves as an introductory moment, getting listeners up to speed and acknowledging humor even in the most desperate of situations. Gatlin sings in a conversational tone that drips with sarcasm, as she states “I thought this time I had changed the wires in your brain / Isn't that insane?” The track starts stripped back and each added element serves as a new chapter to accent the unfolding story.
In the second track on the EP, Gatlin ushers in the next stage of grief: anger. The previously released single, “Paris,” is far from the romantic, whimsical story that the title might suggest. Over a groovy pop beat, our protagonist wishes to be as far away as possible from the person she’s trying to get over once and for all. The chorus is addicting, the lyricism is acute, and the sentiment is a unique spin on the tried-and-true Parisian-inspired song. The following track, “Lonely Life,” indulges in requested solitude and details the internal aftermath of a breakup. On top of a dreamy acoustic guitar, Gatlin sings about being okay with isolation with an undertone of falsehood in this acceptance. As the violins kick in towards the end, listeners are hit with the underlying emotions of deciding to embrace a “Lonely Life.”
Sonically, Gatlin’s I Sleep Fine Now ventures into places she hasn’t gone before. “Standstill” starts with electric synths and a stylish beat. Our songstress sings about being given an ultimatum in the form of “It’s California or it’s you.” For musicians looking to spread their music in the world, living in Los Angeles can open doors for your career. Gatlin pens lyrics about regretting putting her career first, regressing in her decision. It’s a classic case of wishing someone would chase after you, even after you told them not to. Appropriately, the track has a driving pace—the perfect tempo for cruising the 405.
Gatlin continues chasing toxicity in the transcendent single “When You're Breaking My Heart.” In this cinematic track, she sings of the common but unfortunate phenomenon of being so used to being in a tumultuous relationship that you start to prefer it. The '80s-inspired pumped-up beat explodes into a career highlight bridge, where she unleashes the emotional anguish of being scared of happiness. This denial doesn’t last with “How Do You Sleep At Night?,” an epically haunting track that acknowledges the deep hurt she’s experienced throughout the EP. The echo on Gatlin’s gorgeous, yet seemingly untouched, vocals is bound to send a chill up anyone’s spine.
The final track of I Sleep Fine Now is straight out of a coming-of-age movie score. “Be Your Home” is about rekindling and the remorse of not giving it her all the first time. Gatlin apologizes for not taking the time to understand an old flame but acknowledges the mutual maturing that has occurred during time spent apart. The singer-songwriter continues to showcase her impressive vocal ability as she promises to be a safe space... if they’ll have her.
I Sleep Fine Now doesn’t shy away from real emotions, with vulnerability seeping through every brilliantly written and beautifully sung lyric. She not only acknowledges but embraces her own pitfalls in relationships, a commendable display of bravery that strengthens the body of work as a whole. Sonically, the tracks fit together while simultaneously standing out. Gatlin’s honest songwriting and raw talent continue to solidify her as a songstress to watch.
Listen to I Feel Fine Now below:
