“When I’m Alone I Feel Weightless” marks the debut full-length album from gender-neutral artist Criibaby, enveloping listeners in an ambient yet electrified soundscape that feels like an autumn breeze. The album gracefully explores the nuances of soft queerness and personal growth, celebrating gentleness, sensitivity, and the courage to embrace one’s truth. As Criibaby puts it, the record is about “fighting the universal temptation to run away from yourself.” Across twelve tracks, the album navigates the swirling winds of trauma and past wounds, moving toward healing and self-discovery. It’s a journey of uncovering deep-seated pain, uprooting old habits, planting new seeds, and learning how to nurture them. Born in September, Criibaby’s music fittingly mirrors the transformation and introspection associated with the changing of the seasons, eternally reaching for transcendence.
Despite the weighty themes, the album’s sound is cool and ethereal, blending new age with neo-soul and lofi aesthetics. Imagine Sade slow dancing with Joanna Newsom, all set against a backdrop of ASMR-like “found sounds” that draw listeners deeper into a gentler, more introspective world. The result is transcendent acoustic pop, perfect for meditation spaces and sensory deprivation tanks alike. With production credits from talents like Surfer Dave, G Mills, imagiro, Somni, and Joe Nora, Criibaby’s songwriting and poetic lyricism shine, crafting tender sound baths that invite listeners to either dip their toes in or immerse themselves completely. Each track is a self-contained soundscape, offering a delicate yet profound auditory experience.