Lesbian icon and indie-pop hit “girl in red” has returned with her second studio album. She announces her return in the opening track, “I’m Back,” explaining she is better than ever after taking a hiatus from making and releasing music. 

In the short time frame of 30 minutes, Marie Ulven Ringheim, professionally known as “girl in red” covers the escapades of being young and in love while dealing with mental health at the same time. After a first listen, one could see the album as neutral or even not as special as past songs to fans. Few songs could beat “We Fell in Love in October” or “bad idea!” – the artist’s viral hits. 

The third track from “I’M DOING IT AGAIN BABY!” dives directly into a misanthropic personality and the desire to be understood. The album could be a collection of diary entries and it would not compromise the musicality of the lyrics. 

Sabrina Carpenter’s feature in “You Need Me Now?” elevates the song into more of a dream-pop, shoegaze song than an indie radio hit. Carpenter’s and Ringheim’s voices harmonize together incredibly well, pushing the fast-paced club energy into the low-energy “A Night to Remember.” The album is reminiscent of Troye Sivan’s “Something to Give Each Other” album from 2023. 

For anyone in the mood for yearning and pining for someone, this album is for you. Anyone who has ever wanted someone romantically can relate to the toss-and-turns of the album’s fast-paced extremes and to the slower, almost balladic songs. “girl in red,” you deserve an apology. Who hurt you?

“Pick Me” serves the queer experience. We have all been at the point where we have fallen in love with our straight best friend, which welcomes plenty of awkward moments. Although this album could only come from years of being out as a queer person in the world, there is a sense of youth in the lyrics. You’re allowed to fall hard for someone and feel all of the big feelings about it. 

The last three songs fall off from the rest of the album, but they shouldn’t necessarily be cut. Each song radiates a positive energy which only adds to the rush of the album. “I’M DOING IT AGAIN BABY!” could be on every gay femme and lesbian’s summer playlist. Everyone could enjoy different aspects of this album, they might just not enjoy listening to the songs all the way through.