Single Review - “23” by Rebecca Karpen
People have often tried to detail the heartache that comes with recovery. Those who have overcome struggles, whether internally or externally, will cautiously warn you that it’s a process that terms or any aspect of language could never drive home. The sting of recovery is one of intimacy, reflection, regret, and all phases of acceptance.
For singer/songwriter Rebecca Karpen, her single, “23,” finds the singer battling the acceptance of past struggles and recovery. According to Karpen, the backstory of this song is one of victimhood and trauma, with Karpen crafting the song “as a means of finding closure after being psychologically abused by a mentor during college.”
Diving into “23,” you will be hard-pressed to find a song that is more emotionally in tune with mental progress, as she’s aware of the steps taken forward with her life but understanding of the longstanding pain that has plagued her throughout this emotional journey.
“Sometimes I scare myself as well. They say I'll get sick if I stay here, it's pretty chilly down in hell.”
These lyrics creak through a lone guitar, Karpen openly weeping as she chokes out the lyrics. “23” becomes a journal for her past pain, and we, the listeners, while hearing for pleasure or empathy, receive a track that is emotionally vulnerable and as organic as storytelling could ever become.
According to Karpen, “I have never felt as free as I did after completing this song and I hope that you find something of meaning for yourselves in it.”
he beauty of the seven-minute confession is that it does not take away from the enjoyability of the music. While emotions are the focal point of the story being told, with Karpen shifting her emotional pain into an empowering and defiant act of moving on from the themes of trauma, it remains a genuinely good song despite its heavy themes.
Instrumentally, this song is bare bones, and rightfully so. Equipped with nothing more than a guitar, Karpen’s voice, and occasional tears, this song completes a difficult task, making a seven-minute song feel anything less than seven minutes. It is clear that Karpen tugs on the heartstrings. But you will go on a journey with her, and while you will appreciate her talent along with her story, the song leaves you wanting to hear more from the NYC-based singer.
Click on the link to hear “23.”
