When we were friends is The Backseat Lovers’ 2019 debut album, an indie, slightly pop-rocky-y lyrical exploration of being 18-20, learning about people and the world, and having wonderful experiences whilst being not too sure on what to think of them.
The album opens with ‘Watch Your Mouth’, a song about wanting to help someone you love get through something, before moving onto ‘Pool House’, a story of wandering around a party where you know no one and trying to find connection somewhere.
‘Intuition’ speaks on knowing someone is cheating but being split over whether to tell their partner or not, with the song having two distinct parts, just like the splits in the subject’s conscious. ‘Kilby Girl’ follows this, and is likely the band’s most popular song. It refers to one of the band members meeting a girl outside of Kilby Court, a location where they played some of their first gigs and tells the story of the brief love affair that follows this meeting.
The rest of the album continues with the same lyrical tones, recounting events that shape who the band members are today, and looking forward to new times. Each song is very drum and guitar heavy, with each piece notably permeated by guitar solos that break the songs up and make them a little bit longer.
The quality and relatability of this album is what makes it so good- me and every other university can find some of ourselves in each and every one of these songs, as they chronicle experiences that we have all had before. Discovering When We Were Friends in 2022, when I was still in high school was a very transformative experience, and every time I find myself experiencing something off the album, a small part of me feels fulfilled and proud that I grew up to become what I always wanted to be- a young adult dirtbag that relishes in the quietly poetic experiences I discover in my everyday life.
The Backseat Lovers haven’t released anything or performed anywhere since 2023, so the potential of new releases is tragically slim, but this shouldn’t stop you from going to listen to this album – it will change your life for the better, I promise.
Playlist:
Greatest Karaoke Songs
Whether you’re wanting to wow everyone at Biddy’s or you want to give your flat mates the concert of a lifetime while you shower, these songs are guaranteed to fill the room with belts and your heart with love. So, get out there, karaoke the night away.
- Before He Cheats – Carrie Underwood
- Don’t Speak – No Doubt
- Push – Matchbox Twenty
- Tiny Dancer – Elton John
- Zombie – The Cranberries
- The Climb – Miley Cyrus
- Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees
- Give Me One Reason – Tracy Chapman
- Mr. Birghtside – The Killers
- Love Game – Lady Gaga
- Mamma Mia – ABBA
You Oughta Know – Alanis Morissette - Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana
- It’s My Life – Bon Jovi
- My Way – Frank Sinatra
