Photo courtesy of Tigerlily

Tigerlily’s new single, “Lisbon,” has all the makings of a reflective, nostalgic, summer pop hit. Formerly the frontwoman of surf-pop band Bleachbear, Tigerlily carries her indie-pop roots into the more electronic-based pop found in “Lisbon.” With a calming chord progression and slow percussion, the track explores the extremely human experience of having a seemingly perfect romantic adventure with someone you can’t or shouldn’t have.

Starting out with a groovy guitar progression layered under Tigerlily’s hums, “Lisbon” instantly transports you to a beach with the one that got away. Packed with solid lines like “Honestly I don’t understand / How you can say that / You’re not in love, but you love me” that evoke the days of summer flings, the verses outline the track with a calm, slow melody. The lyrics center around the doubts surrounding a new relationship and mirror the pre-chorus in an extremely satisfying way. The faster, more repetitive vocal lines in the pre-chorus make it seem like any doubts are being pushed away in favor of the more romantic chorus.

The track’s more active chorus includes a new wave of percussion to accompany Tigerlily’s airy vocals. The beat elaborates alongside a consistent hi hat pattern with quick stops between each instrumental line and Tigerlily’s dreamy vocal, and the lyrics bring in nostalgic energy and captivating imagery: “I think about you, singing out loud driving down the coastline / I think about you, staying up late, planning out our whole lives.” When we arrive at the final hook of the chorus — “When I think about forever, I think about you” — Tigerlily’s uncertain thoughts throughout the beginning of the song seem to fade away with the waves.

With powerful pop hooks and floaty vocals, “Lisbon” is a nostalgic summer hit. The back and forth between the “I don’t want to want you” energy of the verses, the “I should move on” energy of the pre-choruses, and the “When I think about forever, I think about you” hook feels honest, personal, and vulnerable in the most human way. Tigerlily brings love to the forefront of this tune — even when it’s not at the forefront of the relationship the song centers around.

Watch the lyric video below, and let us know which one of your summer flings you’re feeling nostalgic about.