The confessions of a guarded heart: A review of Abby Powledge’s latest single, ‘the way that i am’
On October 16th, Abby Powledge released her latest single, the way that i am, a vulnerable and deeply personal song built upon the brutally honest lyricism that has become the hallmark of her music.
Abby’s previous tracks have explored themes of love, self-acceptance, and the nuances of human relationships, with this latest single being no exception. Since releasing her debut single, help me see myself in February of this year, the singer-songwriter has gained just shy of 200k monthly Spotify listeners and established a dedicated audience for her music.
With a stripped-back sound courtesy of producer, Tyler Skye, Abby’s lyrics are able to take centre stage in the way that i am, their quiet desperation emphasising the loneliness of waiting for a love that feels so elusive it might as well be from a fairy tale.
The song explores the tension between accepting yourself as you are and longing to be loved by someone else - as hope turns to the fear that she has been too protective with her heart. Her opening lines, “Someone will love me / The way that I am / The curves of my body / And both calloused hands” are weary, with Abby expressing a reluctance to change for love, underlined by an aching fear that she will have to.
Throughout the song, Abby reflects on the isolation that comes with guarding your heart: “It’s completely my fault / I’ve been searching this long / ‘Cause I won’t get involved / Unless it’ll last long,” and “I’ve been nobody’s crush / While my friends find the one.” Abby’s ability to deliver these deeply personal experiences in a way that feels both authentic and universal is central to her appeal as an artist.
Her voice is warm, and filled with emotion, creating an atmosphere of intimacy that makes you feel like you’re listening in on her most private thoughts.
Lines like “I’m protecting my heart / But I’m bearing the cost” highlight the emotional toll of keeping one’s guard up, while the refrain of “someone will love me / the way that I am” speaks to the universal desire for unconditional love and acceptance. There’s a sincerity in the way she writes and sings about her experiences, making her music feel truly authentic.
The brilliance of the way that i am lies in its simplicity – the song is minimalistic, which serves as a quiet canvas for the self portrait Abby paints with her lyrics.
A well-crafted song that showcases Abby’s strengths as a songwriter and vocalist, the way that i am gives listeners an exciting glimpse into the future of her music, which we’re sure you’ll want to stick around to see.
To stay in-the-know about her upcoming releases, you can follow Abby Powledge on Instagram - and don’t forget to enjoy the rest of her music on Spotify below: