Music Review: "Uglythings" by Lizzy McAlpine

Following her most recent single release, “The light in the painting,” Lizzy McAlpine has dropped another sneak peak of her upcoming album, “Angel.”

On Aug. 21, 2026, McAlpine released “Ugly things,” a stark contrast to the previous single. The previous single was hopeful, light and loving. Listeners were delighted to finally have a happy song from Lizzy, but in her familiar fashion, the newest single brings it all back down.

“Ugly things” outlines the feelings of watching an ex-lover from a distance, thinking of what was and what was supposed to be. She reminisces about the love she had for them, and how she wishes she hadn’t stayed around for all the ugly things they did.

Love is complex. In “Ugly things,” McAlpine clearly had big ambitions for her relationship. She wanted to get married, have a home and share a bed. Unfortunately, promises were broken, and now she is watching her ex try to burn her world down around her.

Not only is she thinking about the ugly things of her ex, but she is ashamed of them.

“All the ugly things that you're doing now / Try to help you sleep, try to push it down / All thе ugly things will come back around / Wish they made mе not love you / Wish they made you love me too.”

McAlpine even delves into the growing pains of navigating a breakup, which can be equated to the stages of grief. Denial, avoidance, anger and acceptance.

“Hiding your sweatshirt on the top shelf / Watching you walk around with someone else / Seems like you want to burn this city down / To hurt (Hurt) me, I'm sorry (I'm so sorry, I'm sorry)"

Why is Lizzy apologizing? Is she apologizing to herself, or to her ex? It’s unclear, adding to the masterful storytelling of the song. This storytelling is further evidenced by the evolution of the lyrics throughout the progression of the song.

In the beginning, McAlpine’s verses ended with “I love you,” and by the end of the song, she is saying, “I loved you,” and as seen, “I wish they made me not love you.”

Lyrics aside, the song itself is beautifully composed. McAlpine often features a simplistic backing track, letting the vocals lead the way for the song. “Ugly things” is no exception. In this way, it is similar to “The light in the painting,” paving the way for the rest of the album to likely sound similar. McAlpine seems to be sticking with what she knows for this album, which I am by no means disappointed by.

Given the juxtaposition between the first and latest single release, it’s safe to say that this album will be a certified rollercoaster of emotions. I believe the full album will take listeners through the entire wash of feelings and thoughts that come with a breakup, through the process of healing and coming into yourself again and into finding and being able to finally experience the purest form of love.

I can’t wait to embark on the journey as McAlpine tells it, masterfully, painfully and in the most cleansing raw way. The full album, “Angel,” will be released on Sept. 18, 2026.