‘I Want To Grow Up’ is very much a solo release by Colleen Green, and one that keeps the LA based songwriter centre stage, but it also marks a shift in production values away from the DIY approach of earlier releases as Green is joined for the first time by a full backing band. Title track ‘I Want To Grow Up’ and its fuzzy indie-pop riff proves that stylistically not much has changed but also shows how the songs have benefited sonically from the more fleshed out approach. The extra weight to the tracks works well with the likes of ‘TV’ allowing the punkier tones to come through whilst helping the sweetly melodic chorus retain a rough around the edges feel.
Lyrically, Colleen Green expresses how she feels turning 30, with the feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and self-doubt that comes with growing up often set against a wall of distorted pop-punk. It’s not a new trick by any means but it’s one that works well given what Green is wanting to do, particularly on the playful sounding ‘Things That Are Bad For Me (Part I).
However there are times when ‘I Want To Grow Up’ adopts a more subdued tone musically as well as lyrically. ‘Deeper Than Love’ plies the same introspective groove for its six minute running time and although it allows the self-questioning lyrics to take centre stage, it’s one of the record’s weaker moments as Colleen Green dispenses with the signature style that serves the rest of the album so well. Unfortunately ‘Things That Are Bad For Me (Part II)’ experiences similar issues as the slow and unimaginative riff pegs back the feeling of momentum built up by the earlier songs.
The creativity pays off much better on the bright sounding ‘Some People’ which finds Green’s vocals at their best. ‘Grind My Teeth’ is a similarly strong example as it switches between Descendents-style three chord punk and inventive distorted guitar filled verses. It’s a shame then that ‘Whatever I Want’ is a slightly weak finish for the album, as Green once again opts for a more polished pop sound.
Despite a few missteps ‘I Want To Grow Up’ is an honest and heartfelt record that is easy to identify with without ever feeling contrived or false. Whether it’s the memorable punk of ‘Pay Attention’ or the thoughtful slacker rock of ‘Wild One’, Colleen Green has succeeded at creating a deeply personal yet accessible record full of understated hope all whilst keeping her artistic integrity intact.
CHRIS HILSON