We're finally healing
"The light in the painting" by Lizzy McAlpine
Lizzy McAlpine is preparing to have listeners read it and weep once again with her upcoming album “Angel,” set to release Sept. 18, 2026. Or... so we thought.
McAlpine’s discography, namely albums “Older” and “Older (and Wiser),” which include heart-wrenching hits like “Staying,” “Spring Into Summer,” “doomsday,” “Pushing It Down and Praying” and other scream and cry worthy songs have all left listeners in understandable shambles.
However, “Angel” promises something McAlpine’s fans have potentially never truly experienced the feeling of being loved unconditionally. The album’s single, released July 23, was an unusually happy song for McAlpine.
The song, “The light in the painting,” is three minutes of gentle praises given to her new boyfriend. Lyrics like “Holy ground when you kiss me / Sacred spaces all around / Steal an hour in the evening / Just to hold you now" and “Start a fire when you touch mе / Hold it close between our chests / If somewhere there is a heaven / This is as close as I will get" starkly undercut the messages of her previous songs.
The whole song is utterly angelic in composition, which I suppose speaks to the title of the album. Beyond Lizzy herself, there were 10 contributors on the production of the song, half of which were adding to the transcendent ambience of the track. The song features not only standard guitar and percussion, but incorporates pump organ, harmonica and piano.
The incorporation of these instruments creates a feeling of floating through the song, which can only be described as unburdened and full of light and love. It’s entirely and incredibly opulent, echoing the feelings of finally knowing what a good and comfortable relationship feels like.
While many listeners were preparing to "eat tears for breakfast” upon the release of the single, overwhelmingly they are overjoyed at Lizzy’s newfound love and happiness. Commentors say the song perfectly captures the feelings of tender love and are proud of the growth and healing the artist has experienced since her last release in 2025.
Hopefully for McAlpine’slisteners, the full album will come at perfect timing. With any luck, they will have moved on from their doomsday and found their angel.
Finding gentle love is a feat, and something so deserving of a full album. Listeners can now look forward to the 14-track album, instead of feeling threatened at the promise of new music from longtime yearner-turned-lovergirl, Lizzy McAlpine.
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