The Thread sounds like a whole new chapter for WILLOW.

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TOP 5 SONGS

5. Shrink To Fantasy

This track leans more heavily into classic R&B than much of the rest of the project. The smoother production, silky vocal runs, and higher register give it an old-school feel while still sounding fresh. Lyrically, WILLOW confronts someone she believes still has feelings for her. They may have drifted into friendship, but she isn’t convinced either of them truly wants things to stay that way. There’s tension underneath every line, making the song feel both nostalgic and quietly heartbreaking.

4. Crush on Eternity

This song elevates romance into something almost spiritual. WILLOW compares her emotions to time itself, exploring love through cosmic imagery and endless space. She’s unsure where the other person stands, but that uncertainty only seems to make her feelings stronger. The dreamy production perfectly complements the larger-than-life metaphors, making this one of the album’s most immersive moments.

3. Unconditional

The intro immediately sets a romantic mood. It’s soft, gentle, and inviting before the tempo picks up just enough to keep the momentum going. Even as the production expands, the warmth of the song never disappears. WILLOW sings about unconditional love and standing beside someone regardless of what life throws at them, or what messes they get into. She paints vivid pictures of the future she hopes to build with this person while emphasizing loyalty, support, and unwavering devotion. It’s sweet without feeling overly sentimental.

2. She’s My Religion

This is the opening track of the album, and I immediately noticed how evolved WILLOW’s sound is this time around. It instantly feels like the beginning of a brand-new era for her, and honestly, it got me excited. The song opens with a heavy, energetic drum pattern while WILLOW’s vocals remain soft and delicate, creating a really beautiful contrast. For the first part of the song, it’s almost just her voice and the percussion before everything slowly begins to bloom. The result is dreamy and floating, but there’s still an edge underneath it all. It’s a song about passion, obsession, and infatuation, delivered in a way that feels intimate instead of overwhelming.

1. Talk On The Hill

This ended up being my favorite song on the album. The combination of soft guitar, booming percussion, and layered harmonies creates an atmosphere that’s impossible not to get lost in. You can genuinely feel the emotion building throughout every section of the track. As WILLOW asks to be taught how to “talk on the hill,” the lyrics remain intentionally open-ended, allowing listeners to interpret them in different ways. Every listen reveals something new, and I loved how the song continued growing in intensity without ever losing its vulnerability.

SONG BY SONG RATING

She’s my religion (4/5)
The thread (4/5)
Unconditional (4/5)
Talk on the hill (4/5)
Hell to pay (3.5/5)
Shrink to fantasy (4/5)
Crush on eternity (4/5)
Tall baby (4/5)
Bone collector (3.5/5)

RGM RATING

(C+)

WILLOW’s The Thread feels like the beginning of an exciting new chapter. While she’s always experimented with different sounds throughout her career, this project feels especially focused and confident. She effortlessly blends psychedelic rock, alternative music, R&B, and subtle pop influences into something that feels entirely her own.

The album explores love, identity, spirituality, and self-discovery through poetic songwriting that often leaves room for interpretation. Some lyrics feel deeply personal, while others read almost like abstract poetry, inviting listeners to find their own meaning within them. Rather than being confusing, those moments make the album even more engaging, rewarding repeat listens.

Production is another major highlight. Layered guitars, live drums, atmospheric synths, and soulful vocal arrangements give every track its own personality while still contributing to a cohesive overall experience. The record constantly shifts between quiet introspection and explosive emotion without ever feeling disjointed.

Overall, The Thread is one of WILLOW’s strongest and most fully realized projects to date. It’s thoughtful, adventurous, emotionally rich, and sonically captivating. There are plenty of songs here I’ll be revisiting, and after hearing this evolution in her artistry, I’m even more excited to see where she goes next.

Ileyah

Ileyah is a mom, a writer and a musician. She loves late nights and gluten free snacks.