A REAL DOLL-LIGHT: AMERICAN GIRLFRIEND HAS JUST THE SONG FOR THE CRUSH-OBSESSED
American Girlfriend is for the delusional lovesick individuals; the ones that crave storytale love and attention, obsessing over it and soaking themselves in the rays of intense infatuation. Released on Oct. 19, “Creepy Doll” is the newest addition to American Girlfriend’s dollhouse of a discography, exploring the fierce feelings of having a crush on a boy, to the point of locking him in a basement so he never leaves.
New Jersey singer-songwriter Janai Freer, the genius behind American Girlfriend, draws her inspiration from the likes of dramatically-quirky artists like Lizzy Grant (Lana Del Ray before she was the Lana Del Ray we know today) who dominated the 2010s. American Girlfriend has been releasing music left and right this past year, with the 3-song project cute world pt. 1 dropping back in May. Since then, Freer has released the single “love notes” and, now, “Creepy Dolls” as a move toward her next project: cute world pt. 2.
When listeners first press play on “Creepy Dolls,” they are hit with a sparkly, catchy synth beat bound to transport them to her cute, yet chilling, world. American Girlfriend’s silky, layered vocals come in, gliding smoothly overtop that addictive instrumental.
Producers Wonderlust Beats and Love James did a perfect job at crafting a vibe that sounds innocent and lush while giving a creepy edge, as if the listeners are intruding on thoughts, or scenes, that they shouldn’t be. Freer’s animated and tongue-in-cheek vocals sing directly to the boy in question, letting him in on her true obsessive nature, all while bubbly synths and music box-like jingles dance around in the background.
“I want you forever / Keep you in my basement / Till I find a crush to be your new replacement,” American Girlfriend sings in the chorus, signaling that cyclical rush of adoration toward someone else.
Graphic by Emma Ransom (Crave Music Magazine)
Image by Nicole Schwarze
The lyrics in “Creepy Doll” are uniquely brilliant, painting a vividly cheeky picture on the way we view romance, or the ways we are told to. Freer leans into a storytelling method throughout the cute world saga, creating a character that was born out of the delusional ways we desire romance, mixed with the obsessive and attention-seeking ways we actually act on finding it.
Throughout the verses, American Girlfriend lists out the future she sees with this boy. The two are going to be together forever, Freer declares, because they’re doing this relationship her way. The boy (who, remember, is kept locked in the basement) may call her “possessive,” but it's okay because he will always be hers. To me, the lyrics are the standout part of the entire track. The way Freer writes captures that youthful romantic obsession so well and puts it in such a hyperbolically-specific perspective that listeners can't seem to look away.
American Girlfriend repeats the phrase “creepy doll” toward the end of the track while her luscious, siren song-like backing vocals dance around underneath. The production here mimics that at the beginning, sparkly synths that transport you to Freer’s own cute world.
Just when you think “Creepy Doll” is over, the song glides into a different type of instrumental; one more dream-like and hazy. Freer’s vocals here are slightly deeper and slower, contrasting her bright, bubbly vocals from the first two minutes of the song.
“Living in your walls / Screening all your calls / Spooky little doll / Don't know how to stop / I’m crazy for you,” American Girlfriend sings, mimicking lyrics sung at the beginning of the track, but now offering a chilling vibe to end on.
“Creepy Doll” is the next big step in American Girlfriend’s career, one that deserves to take off. I wouldn’t be surprised if the next generation of alt-girly-pop begins naming American Girlfriend as their stylistic and musical inspirations. Freer’s immeasurable talent and clear passion is palpable through the way she talks about her music and in the way it sounds; it’s purposely crafted with undying love and immense detail.
So the next time you feel that strong, loving adoration toward someone, turn to American Girlfriend for a proper outlet — just maybe without the basement part.
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