Role Model’s “Alive” is the pop song that has it all. In fact, I think it’s one of the best pop songs released this year. Role Model (aka Tucker Pillsbury) is like a sponge, freely hopping between genres to pioneer something that’s uniquely his. The result is a forward sound that sounds mightily fresh yet strangely familiar. Lyrically, Pillsbury crushes the mold by taking a hopeful tone — a welcome departure from many of his sulky peers. “The grass is lookin’ greener, I’m finally gettin’ by,” he proclaims. “I got a new demeanor and I can’t keep it inside.” It’s the type of pop we need while we’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel that was 2020. Original and uncompromising, Role Model is a force to reckon with. (Stream “Alive” by Role Model)
