Corey Alec’s "Imaginary Lover" dives deep into Pop, Heartache, and Mental Health
After four years of careful crafting, Corey Alec’s long-awaited album, Imaginary Lover, has finally hit the airwaves. For an artist who’s had roots in Nashville but now calls the beachside of Florida home, this album represents both a personal and artistic breakthrough. Alec’s path to finding his unique sound comes to life across these 13 tracks, blending pop with diverse genre influences to create a record that is as complex as it is captivating.
At its core, Imaginary Lover is a deeply introspective album that explores themes of longing, emotional turmoil, and mental health awareness. With family ties to the country music scene and formal training in piano and music production, Alec’s journey has been one of steady growth. His 2020 experimental EP laid the groundwork for his debut, but it wasn’t until now that he feels he’s truly found his sound—and what a sound it is.
From the moment the album kicks off with "Ambush," Alec sets a bold tone. The song bursts to life with a catchy, upbeat melody that contrasts the more somber lyrical content, striking a delicate balance between the light and dark elements of human experience. It’s an instant highlight, showcasing Alec’s exceptional vocal control and heartfelt delivery. "Ambush" hooks listeners not just with its infectious energy but also with its layered message about life’s unexpected emotional battles.
Another standout, "Favorite Outfit," takes a slight detour into more electronic territory, featuring some stellar work on the keys. The song’s polished production and danceable groove sit comfortably within the pop realm, but Alec never sacrifices his message for the sake of accessibility. Instead, the electronic flourishes give the track a modern sheen while allowing his storytelling to shine through. It’s a prime example of how Imaginary Lover subtly dips its toes into various genres while staying true to Alec’s pop foundation.
The most emotional moment on the album for us arrives with "Die (988)," a raw and atmospheric track that addresses mental health and the inner struggles that many face in silence. The title references the suicide prevention hotline, and Alec approaches the subject with an unflinching vulnerability that’s hard to ignore. The stripped-back production, hauntingly beautiful vocals, and heavy lyrics come together to create a somber but necessary conversation around mental health. It’s an intricate, immersive listen that leaves a lasting impact, making it one of the most poignant songs on the album.
Throughout Imaginary Lover, Alec’s vocal performances are the album’s lifeblood. Whether he’s delivering upbeat, radio-ready pop tunes or more introspective, slow-burning ballads, his voice cuts through the production with clarity and conviction.
Caitlin Harder and Shelby Kemp, who collaborated on the album, also deserve praise for their contributions to the project’s sonic landscape. Their input helps to elevate Alec’s storytelling by adding depth to the album’s arrangements without overwhelming the core message. The production, though pop-based, isn’t afraid to experiment, incorporating subtle elements from electronic, rock, and more to create a rich, varied soundscape that feels fresh and modern.
In the end, Imaginary Lover succeeds because it’s an album that wears its heart on its sleeve. Alec’s willingness to tackle difficult topics—love, loss, depression, mental health—while crafting undeniably catchy tunes makes for a listening experience that is both enjoyable and deeply relatable. His lyrics speak to the messiness of life, but the polished production and infectious melodies ensure that this album won’t just be an emotional ride—it’ll be one you’ll want to return to again and again.
The growth that we’ve experience since reviewing Corey back in 2020 is immense! This one feels like his magnum opus so far, and so with that, we urge everyone out there to take a moment and give it a listen. Enjoy it, follow along, and of course stay tuned for more by clicking those important links below.
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