K-12 is the second studio album released by Melanie Martinez. This album is a continuation of her first album Crybaby, which is named after the character Martinez created to represent a persona of herself. The album was released with an hour and 36-minute film with the songs contributed from the album. Martinez creates a type of fantastical horror vibe that makes her albums unique in comparison to other artists. Below I will share my opinion of the songs:
“High School Sweethearts”
I love everything about this song, from the melody to the lyrics to the music video. The song is meant to represent a high school love that Crybaby longs for, an everlasting love. Martinez displays a unique color and a type of luminosity that I believe separates the song from the rest of the album. In the beginning of the song, she starts off at a very slow pace which I find a little irritating, but I appreciate the process. This song is very beautiful, not only with how she displayed the video but also with the enchanting melody and the surreal lyrics that I feel many high schoolers could relate to.
“Lunchbox Friends”
Out of all the songs on the album, this song has the most addicting melody and chorus. This song may not have as deep a meaning compared to the others, but it is definitely special in its own way. The song represents a need for a real relationship, a real friendship that displays a raw emotion to the listeners, a ‘‘friendship that will last forever.’’ This song definitely has a lot of emotions that give me chills whenever I listen to it.
“Recess”
This song is very calm and is quite the opposite of the whole album, which probably explains why this is the last song. It gives me a lot of nostalgia and reminds me of my childhood. The melody replicating a nursery rhyme provides a nice touch and resonates with the lyrics. The song reminds me of my present self looking back at my childhood and sitting with all the decisions I have made in the past leading to now. I think what Martinez wanted to show for this album at the end was that she wasn’t a kid anymore, which gives me a sorrowful but also bright outlook on this song.
“Class Fight”
I love the background vocals in this song. I think it’s unique and creates a scary, mysterious atmosphere to how Martinez feels at the exact moment. She exposes her feelings for a boy and is vulnerable. The vibe and emotions of the song are very overwhelming with an added aggressiveness put into the lyrics and her voice representing the innocence to this monster that everyone ends up viewing her to be.
“Detention”
This is probably my second most listened-to song on Spotify. Mostly, I love this song because it has the best choreography. Her choreography in this song can be seen as kind of sensual, which Martinez had stated was to show the sexualization of Hispanic women. I also love the outfits the dancers wear in the video: a pretty lavender set. I just love the outfit Martinez wears; I love her hair and how they’re stuck in a glass showcase representing a mannequin. I just think the idea is cool overall and this song has probably one of the best choruses on the album.
“Strawberry Showcake”
I love the meaning and ideas that Martinez displays in this song. I love that she exhibits an honest message when it comes to young people, especially what little girls go through when it comes to body image and what may be seen in media all over the world. I love when she voices ‘‘saying it’s my fault, it’s my fault, cause I put icing on top,’’ I believe it to be very deep and I just love the idea that she compares women being blamed for looking the way they look to a cake on display. The emotions in this song are very deep but is also very sweet and colorful and has a nice ring to it.
“Orange Juice”
I love the execution of this song and the color palette. I also love the diversity of dancers in the video. At the end of the video, she swaps eyes with a girl who has bulimia and tells her “I wish I could tell you that you’re fine, so fine, but you will find that disconcerting.” The chorus gives me chills whenever I listen and it displays a sad and emotional reality.
“The Principal”
This song is very heartfelt and emotionally intense. I can feel the passion that Martinez displays. The song is directed to the unfair treatment trans people go through and also represents her thoughts on our 45th president. “You don’t know the pain that you are causing, yea your actions hurt, so do your words” and “shooting at the angels while claiming you’re the good guy, all you want is cash and hype,” are two of my favorite lyrics in this song. You can kinda see the hurt feelings exposed on her face and voice, and I think she did really well displaying that emotion.
“Teacher’s Pet”
I love the beat and rhythm of this song. It’s very catchy. I love the chorus and the catchy lyrics. Overall, I think the song shows a dramaticness that fits well with its theme.
“Wheels on the Bus”
I actually used to be obsessed with this song. I love the catchy lyrics and the fact that the bus is pink, and I think the execution was really just fun and pink.
“Show and Tell”
I love the execution of Martinez personifying a doll-like figure to show her as a display to her fans and how some fans criminalize her if she doesn’t want attention sometimes. I do find this song to be a bit overrated; it is not one of my favorites even though it may be one of her most listened-to songs on the album. I do enjoy the outlook of the lyrics and the clock noises made throughout the song.
“Nurse’s Office”
I love the creativity put into this song and the catchy chorus involved. My favorite part is when Martinez sounds like she’s gurgling and laughing. I just think it is very creative and seems like it must have been fun to film. I believe this one is a bit boring compared to her other songs, but I still find it very creative.
“Drama Club”
I am not a fan of this song. I think it’s very plain and boring. I don’t connect with the lyrics, and even though I think I understand the meaning, I just don’t like the execution. From the video to the rhyme, beat, and lyrics, I was disappointed.
I would consider this my favorite album of all time. Not only would I recommend the album, but I would also recommend the film. I find it to be beautiful and unique and I feel most people would appreciate the work and messages hidden that Martinez shows on screen.
