The songs in Edward Cullen’s album ‘Truly Madly Fairytales’ are expertly crafted into a collection that modernizes classic fairytales. Each song tracks a chronology of love, heartbreak, and redemption and while the album is deeply personal to Edward, it is also universally relatable. The fact that Edward played, sang, and produced everything himself only makes the album more authentic. The included poets and writers add an entire new layer of narrativity which makes this album more than just music but an experience to be relished. The album opens with “Prologue (Looking for The Answer to It All Pt. 1)”. The introductory track appears to be reflective and mysterious, much like the rest of the album. This particular song feels like an invitation into Edward’s world, which tries to explore the many questions of life along with the audience. The next song, like the next progression of the story, is “Icarus” which has soaring instrumentals to accompany its themes. The song captures the essence of ambition and downfall and has a haunting instrumental backing. Much like the Greek myth this song references, it’s Edward’s vocals that shine the most and tell the story. Another standout is “Rapunzel Stay Beautiful”. This song captures the classic tale of Rapunzel and eloquently transforms it into a story of resilience and longing. The poetic and simultaneously simplistic lyrics make it one of the most emotional songs in the fairytale album, ‘Truly Madly Fairytales’.
“Mirror Mirror” slants toward darker aspects. The production is moody, and Edward’s voice has an underlying roughness to it. It feels like a contemplation on self-esteem and self-image which makes it an intriguing piece. “Rosebud” is beautifully fragile. The instruments are gentle and melancholic, while the words capture the essence of youth’s innocence. It is a song that stays in the ears long after the sounds have ceased. “Salt Over Gold (Part 1)” portrays a forlorn, naked voice. It talks about giving up some cherished thing, and the loss of value in something once prized. The words are few and easy but profound. “Song of Water” is a masterwork of poetic abstraction. It moves seamlessly as water, allowing gentle vocals to lift unhurried instrumentals. It is one of those tunes so well suited for silent contemplation. “Salt Over Gold (Part 2)” ends with closure. It recaptures the golden pieces of the first portion but in a little different color. The connection between these two tracks is crafted with remarkable care and intelligence. “Cinderella and the Pious Prince (Pt.2)” possesses splendor. The music is structured with great lift as it becomes simultaneously personal and grand. This is one of the more theatrical moments on the album.
“A Very Happy Ending?” is ironic in so many ways. The question mark in the title makes one question whether or not a truly happy ending exists. The melody is bittersweet, oscillating between hope and uncertainty. The most Down-To-Earth song is arguably “Getting On and Getting By”. It leaves the fairytale realm and touches on moving forward in life which is relatable to most. The song is simple yet powerful in its relatability. The album comes to an end with “Epilogue (Looking for the Answer to It All Pt.2)”. Ending the album in a full circle together with the start. It was a continuation of the first song, but this time, it had a feeling of closure and some acceptance to it. All in All, the album ‘Truly Madly Fairytales’ is truly a piece of art and deeply personal. Edward Cullen has achieved something wonderful by creating music that not only narrates but gives the listener the feeling that they are a part of the story. The album is already making an impact without the need for heavy promotion which is proof that great music speaks for itself.
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