ALBUM REVIEW: Mary Middlefield - Will You Take Me As I Am?

Mary Middlefield’s sophomore album, ‘Will You Take Me As I Am?’, explores the complexities of identity, relationships and validation. Finding catharsis in creativity, her album was released on March 6^th and has garnered significant praise and visibility. 

Photo Credit: Valeria Shashenok

The first track of the album, ‘Ladida’, opens with a beautiful string composition and layered vocal harmonies, leading into Mary Middlefield’s heartfelt lyricism. Drawing on a previous love, the chorus is dreamlike and full of emotion, adding to the song’s ethereal theme. ‘Ladida’ is sincere and inviting, gently drawing listeners into ‘Will You Take Me As I Am?’.

Moving away from the serenity of ‘Ladida’ is ‘Bite me’. Sustained by a slick bassline and featuring grungy guitar riffs, the track has an Indie Rock feel to it. As Mary Middlefield’s music uses different genres to express her vision, ‘Bite me’ is honest and angry as it questions the loss of identity during the breakdown of a relationship. This demonstrates the deeply personal and introspective aspects of her latest work.

Raw and unfiltered, the first single released from ‘Will You Take Me As I Am?’, ‘Wake up!’, investigates Mary Middlefield’s inner thoughts. On discussing the track, she says: “This song feels like a conversation between me and that part of myself I wish I could love better.” Highlighting striking vocals and powerful drum beats, ‘Wake up!’ reflects her struggle with self-acceptance.

Mary Middlefield’s latest album is a truthful representation of her growth, both personally and professionally, over the last few years. An album born from self-observation and contemplation, ‘Will You Take Me As I Am?’ is an admirable piece of work.