Love can sometimes suck. But that’s not why iamchelseaiam is sleeping with the enemy on this song. Instead, she uses the “I just broke up with an ex” trope as a musical proxy. It’s used to represent her mental health journey (specifically her path to managing her anxiety).

As someone who also deals with anxiety on a daily basis, I appreciate the comparison and honesty. Anxiety, in of itself, isn’t a bad thing. However, it can control you if you’re not careful and/or receptive to ways to center yourself. Then, the anxieties will hang onto you, possibly even breaking you down. And like an ex-lover, you may find you way back to toxic behaviors because you’re unsure of how else to respond. Like the justJust song “Fuchsia” that I covered earlier today, this one is also a really deep and nuanced track. Plus, as you all know, I’m a sucker for a great mental health awareness song and this fits the bill.

Need another reason to check this one out, outside of it being pro-mental health self-care? You’re in luck if so. iamchelseas’s vocals are so rich in that alt-R&B meets neo-soul sort of way. The artist and her “New York State of Mind [with] a Midwestern Spirit” shine through brightly here, from the vocals down to the lyrics. Additionally, the production is, for me, perfect in this sort of song. Check out the powerful song below and remember to support dope music in all its forms.