You might not want “Buttercups” to end when you hear Ava Valianti’s new single for the first time. The gentle introduction of piano and acoustic guitar brings a warm comfort. From the first notes, Ava has the poise and unfiltered emotion of an artist far beyond her years. “Buttercups” wrestles with that precarious period in a relationship when something starts to end, but the memories remain. She implores her lost love, “Aren’t you my buttercup, my buttercup baby”, in a way that drips with both lament and the saccharine sweetness of nostalgia. Each lyric is crooned effortlessly and makes the listener feel like they’re part of a quiet, personal conversation.
Instrumentally, the song picks up momentum as it progresses. The clean and stripped-down intro gives way to a dynamic pop-rock production. Full drums and electric guitars build on the swell of emotion behind Ava’s voice. This build makes sense because that’s how feelings of heartbreak often work. The production amplifies that emotion without overwhelming the vocals. Ava’s voice never feels lost in the arrangement, staying exactly where it needs to be at the forefront. It’s also clear she means every word she sings because of the sincerity in her delivery. The simplicity of the songwriting, especially lines like “the cinnamon smell, the creaky doors, the buttercups”, feels real and poignant.
Valianti’s “Buttercups” is a breakup anthem with a rare sense of optimism. She intentionally created this song as a vehicle for emotional, memorable music and it shows. The pure enjoyment one can experience while listening to her eulogize past joy is a lovely thing to behold. Ava has stated that it’s her favorite song she’s ever created, and it’s easy to hear why. “Buttercups” is brimming with emotion, detail, and depth but all presented in a sound that’s easy to connect with. Ava Valianti is an artist to keep your eye on, and “Buttercups” is a testament to her talent.
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