Drawing us in with an immersive and decadent soundscape with pulsating drums, Alex McArtor opens In the Dark with ethereal vocals and the lyrics, “You’ll search for me, in all your lover’s eyes, hoping that you’ll find our flame, but it never burns twice…”
We are immediately in awe of the compositional design of the opus by Grammy Award nominated producer Benny Cassette, and the charisma that Alex exudes with her timbre, strength, and poetic prowess. In the Dark poignantly captures the emotional aftermath of betrayal and the subsequent journey towards reclaiming self-worth. The song opens with a reflection on the inevitability of searching for lost love in new relationships, only to find that the initial spark cannot be replicated, setting the tone for the song’s exploration of disillusionment and the futility of seeking the same connection in others.
The second verse delves into the lingering consequences of lies and unfulfilled efforts, with Alex lamenting the missed opportunities for reconciliation. “If you hadn’t lied / If you only tried / Now our hearts are tied / To the last goodbye” encapsulates the pain of a relationship that ended prematurely, rooted in deception and lack of effort. This realization leads to a powerful chorus where Alex expresses a desire for the former lover to experience the same heartache, reflecting a common human wish for karmic retribution.
In the chorus, Alex’s raw emotions are laid bare as she sings, “And I want someone to break you / Leave you the way you left me / Teach you pain till you’re human / Somebody to tear your heart out.” This stark imagery underscores the depth of her suffering and the yearning for the ex-partner to understand the magnitude of their actions. Simultaneously, she expresses a hope for future love that is deserving and non-destructive, highlighting a newfound resolve to seek healthier relationships.
The empowering refrain, “I’m taking back my light, my light / I’m taking back my light, for the first time / Gonna leave you in the dark,” symbolizes the star reclaiming of her power and self-esteem. The repetition of “Oooh, Oooh, leave you in the dark” serves as both a cathartic release and a declaration of independence. By the song’s end, the lyrics “You’ll search for me / In all your lover’s arms / And I’ll find another one / To kiss away all the scars” affirm Alex’s decision to move forward, leaving the past behind and embracing a future unburdened by previous pain.
The track comes with a stunning film-noir visual that fans of Lana Del Rey will definitely be able to connect with. Alex’s acting chops are nothing short of perfection, and we love the directorial approach by Carlo Alberto Orecchia to bring the song to life.
Speaking on the release, Alex confesses, “I was inspired to write [In the Dark] after walking around Paris late at night listening to Roxy Music and The Cars. It’s a triumph song about realizing your own self-worth and taking your power back from a situation that’s draining your life force.”
We have added In the Dark to our New Music Spotlight playlist and our new TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream Alex McArtor‘s wider discography, including Pain for Passion, and He Don’t Like The Sun, and anticipate future releases from the rising pop star!