Emme steps outside her comfort zone for a crush on the playful indie-pop track “don’t usually go out.”

Emotions can make us do surprising things, can’t they? Emme explores that idea on “don’t usually go out.” As the title suggests, she typically prefers staying home. However, her feelings for someone convince her to leave her comfort zone and experience “a Friday night she’d never choose.” It is not her ideal scene, but she would do anything for the person occupying her mind.

Emme’s vocals are lovely, and the melody is infectiously catchy. I especially enjoy her use of a mixed belt instead of pushing into a full, pure belt. It gives her voice a beautiful quality that complements the production perfectly.

The synth-driven track moves at a midtempo pace, supported by an upbeat, repetitive bassline. Although the production contains plenty of interesting details, its primary purpose is highlighting Emme’s voice and recreating the quickened heartbeat she experiences whenever her crush is nearby. I love when production strengthens a song’s lyrical meaning, and “don’t usually go out” accomplishes that wonderfully.

This is the perfect song to send to your pop-loving friend who has a crush but usually stays home. Emme reminds me of Maisie Peters and Conan Gray here.

Crush or no crush, the track belongs on a good pop playlist. It is immediately entering my “driving to pop music” rotation, and I can already imagine using it for character-based playlists as an actor and writer.

Listen to “don’t usually go out” below.

Emma Platt