Few albums released this year feel as personal or as unguarded as Sam Gelston’s See Through Now. The Boston singer-songwriter has crafted a record that rejects convention in favor of authenticity, resulting in a collection of songs that are deeply moving, frequently surprising, and consistently memorable. It is the sound of an artist trusting his instincts completely.
From the opening moments, Gelston establishes an atmosphere that feels remarkably intimate. Every song was written, performed, and recorded by the artist himself, lending the album a singular creative vision. There is no attempt to disguise the rough edges. Instead, they become an essential part of the listening experience, reinforcing the emotional sincerity that runs through the entire project.
One of the album’s greatest achievements is its emotional range. Gelston moves effortlessly between humor, sadness, frustration, hope, and reflection, often within the same song. The wonderfully absurd title “I’m Coming to LA to Kill You” masks a surprisingly touching tribute to friendship, while tracks like “Who You Are” and “IDKY” explore connection and disconnection with nuance and sensitivity.
Lyrically, See Through Now thrives on unpredictability. Gelston frequently avoids familiar songwriting formulas, choosing instead to pursue unusual imagery and unconventional observations. This approach gives the album a unique character, particularly on songs like “Somethings Last a While,” where discomfort and beauty coexist in fascinating ways. His writing feels thoughtful without becoming overly self-conscious.
The record also benefits from its willingness to engage with difficult subjects. Mental health, isolation, mortality, and self-perception are recurring themes, but Gelston approaches them with remarkable clarity and humanity. Songs such as “Lazy Too” and “Meet Me Downtown” capture the complexity of modern life without resorting to melodrama, offering reflections that feel both personal and universal.
The emotional centerpiece arrives with “Make It Make Sense,” a song born from Gelston’s experience following a kidney failure diagnosis. Its raw vulnerability provides a stunning conclusion to an album already rich with emotional depth. Ultimately, See Through Now succeeds because it embraces imperfection as a source of strength. It is an album that feels genuine in every sense of the word, and one that confirms Sam Gelston’s place among today’s most intriguing independent songwriters.