05. Single Review of Didn’t Peak in High School by Menna

Originally published July 3rd, 2024

About the Artist

Menna is an independent artist currently living in Nashville, Tennessee but originally from Austin, Texas. “Raised in a large family of jazz musicians and garage rockers,” (Menna, bio Spotify) it sounds like music has been a big part of her life. As an independent artist, Menna has already experienced a bit success. In 2022, she was featured at the Nashville event “River on the Rooftop” along with acclaimed artist Avril Lavigne. She has had her music featured in ads and Netflix Originals. 

Menna will be performing at The 5 Spot in Nashville on the 19th of July, 2024. If you’re in the Nashville area- hell, if you’re NOT in the Nashville area- don’t miss your chance to see Menna live and in concert!

Didn’t Peak in High School

Some people like to start their morning with a fresh cup of coffe, maybe a toasted bagel with an even spread of cream cheese. I like to start mine with a perfectly layered blend of distorted guitars, a disciplined drummer that flourishes in the pocket, and a vocalist that sings a song like they mean it. Suffice it to say, my day is off to a great start because it began with Menna’s new release of “Didn't Peak in High School.”

This song puts off the same vibe that Pink did when she came onto the scene twenty years ago. Pink didn’t exactly join the pop community, she laced up a pair of combat boots, kicked the door down, and infiltrated it. Menna has the same capacity to change the narrative of, not only pop music, but pop culture as a whole. Commercialism will continue to try to tell our society that we want things a certain way and it will try to take talented young people and make clones out of this idea they have. As long as we have heroes like Menna, Pink, and Avril Lavigne, we will have the choice to align ourselves with a community we feel comfortable with.

Musically, “Didn’t Peak in High School” is the prototype of a solid punk-pop performance. The instruments provide a robust and supportive backdrop to the vocal talent posessed by Menna. Reviewing her entire catalog of work, she has truly evolved from a pure R&B sound to an edgier, multi-faceted vocalist who displays the capability to be elite over a number of genres. 

Lyrically, one could not ask for more. Menna takes a couple of well directed shots at a presumed bully in a tactful yet humorous way, while also generally displaying a gratefulness to how things have worked out. Starting out, “I cut my hair like Halle Berry/ my freshman year didn’t go over to well.” I love the cut-to jab at herself to set the scene as we hear some of the moments that stuck with her. Then we jump into the chorus. The highlight here is definitely “If they could see me now/Oh wait. They do,” is playfully realized as Menna acknowledges that she is making the most of her life and her career. Karmically, maybe enjoying where she is a little more than some from her past. Lastly, my favorite line, “They laughed at my dreams/ Now they’re on Facebook selling pyramid schemes.” I love this. Anybody who has ever been bullied can relate when they are vindicated by Karma, our friend.

Final Thoughts

“Didn’t Peak in High School,” is a fresh, upbeat, and edgy song that will motivate all of its listeners. The instrumentation exhibits high energy and Menna will have you jumping on your desk and singing along without a care in the world of who might be watching. So, go check out Menna’s BRAND NEW SINGLE “Didn’t Peak in High School,” streaming RIGHT NOW!

And Heather, we still don’t want your leggings.

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