From the vibrant musical landscape of the Washington D.C. area emerges a compelling new voice, one that belies her mere seventeen years. Meet Molly Baker, a prodigious singer-songwriter who has been honing her craft since the tender age of ten. With a natural command of piano, guitar, and vocals, Molly Baker isn’t just performing music; she’s living and breathing it. Her original alt-pop creations, crafted alongside her producers, resonate with a depth and maturity that sets her apart, and her latest single, “Finish Line,” is a potent testament to her burgeoning artistry.
Having already built a solid foundation with previous releases, including her collaboration with AWOLNATION’s original member Kenny Carkeet (of the chart-topping hit “Sail”), Molly Baker returns with “Finish Line,” a track that dives headfirst into the often-turbulent waters of teenage life. The pressure cooker of school, the relentless ticking clock of academic expectations, and the nagging feeling of missing out on the carefree joys of youth are all laid bare in this compelling anthem. As Molly herself articulates, “Everyday is a race against the Finish Line.”
Musically, “Finish Line” perfectly encapsulates Molly Baker’s signature alt-pop style. It’s a sound that doesn’t shy away from a raw, guitar-driven edge, injecting an exciting abrasiveness into the melodic framework. This isn’t polished pop; it’s something altogether more visceral and engaging. The track pulses with an energy that mirrors the anxious undercurrent of the lyrics, creating an immersive sonic experience that grabs you from the first note and refuses to let go.
But it’s in her songwriting that Molly Baker truly shines. Her lyrics for “Finish Line” are remarkably relatable, tapping into the universal anxieties of feeling behind, of constantly striving, and of the internal conflict between wanting to escape and feeling trapped. Lines like “another night of overinking just like everyone before” and “every day’s a race against the finish line” are delivered with an emotional honesty that resonates deeply. She paints vivid pictures of a young person navigating the pressures of the present while feeling the weight of future expectations, perfectly capturing that liminal space “in between all that was and will be.”
The chorus, with its stark admission, “the sky could be falling down while I’m too busy missing out,” is a powerful and poignant reflection of the fear of life passing by unnoticed. The yearning to “fake out my own brain, lie and say everything’s ok, smile and wave like the world ain’t ending” speaks volumes about the internal battles many young people face. The repeated refrain of being “late to the party if I even go at all” underscores a sense of isolation and the feeling of being perpetually out of sync.
Beyond her evident talent as a performer and songwriter, Molly Baker is also actively involved in her community, sharing her passion for music by teaching piano to younger children. This dedication speaks to a maturity and generosity of spirit that further elevates her as an artist.
With “Finish Line,” Molly Baker doesn’t just deliver a catchy tune; she offers a genuine and insightful commentary on the pressures faced by her generation. Her ability to weave emotionally resonant lyrics with a distinctive and compelling alt-pop sound marks her as an artist with significant potential. As she continues to work on a growing collection of songs slated for release throughout 2025, Molly Baker is undoubtedly an artist to watch. “Finish Line” is not just a song; it’s a starting gun for an exciting new chapter in the career of this promising young talent. Get ready to hear a lot more from Molly Baker – her journey has only just begun.
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