“The Heartbreak Life” by The Julies

The Julies’ Always & Always didn’t just have some of my favorite music of 2023. It was also a brilliant return by a much-beloved indie band after a nearly three-decade hiatus. Needless to say, I was pretty chuffed to see the Philadelphia outfit release a new single. Described as an “ode to the reality that life isn’t just endless possibility but also certain heartbreak,” “The Heartbreak Life” blends glittering synths with driving rhythms as Chris Newkirk culls various vignettes from long-held memories.

I’m always loathe to read too much into lyrics. That said, I suspect my fellow ’80s and ’90s youth group kids will experience some resonance with Newkirk’s lyrics. When he sings “To the church, I forgive/But we won’t see eye to eye… In all this heartbreak life,” it seems to indicate a more… complicated view of organized religion that’ll be familiar to anyone who’s seen what the Religious Right has become. And of course, a mention of the end times brings back a mess of memories for those who grew up in the shadow of the Rapture.

My interpretation of Newkirk’s lyrics could be entirely wrong. Even so, I appreciate that “The Heartbreak Life” inspires such reflection, that it’s more than just another shimmery dream pop ditty. And of course, it only makes me more excited for The Julies’ next album, which is currently in progress.