Holly Humberstone Expresses Vulnerability in New Single

Imagine walking through your favorite city on a rainy day and running into your closest friend. You catch up with them, feel a connection in your chest, and realize how badly you needed to see them. That is how a Holly Humberstone song feels; it is safety, familiarity and honesty mixed in with a perfect melody. 

This past year has been a whirlwind of changes for singer/songwriter Holly Humberstone. After playing a handful of headlining shows throughout the U.S. and U.K. last year, she opened for Olivia Rodrigo on the Sour Tour in the spring of 2022. But now is the time for a new era of Holly Humberstone. Now, six months later, a new era of Holly Humberstone has begun.

Humberstone released a full-length album of previously released songs by combining her first two EPs, but the special surprise was a new title, “Can You Afford To Lose Me?” It is a soft, soulful, edging ballad that she had initially teased on TikTok, serving as closure for Holly as she ended this chapter of her music career. Her audience has found comfort in the song while they wait for a debut album with a tracklist full of new songs. With her previous EPs, fans didn’t know what to expect as Holly is still a newcomer to the music industry. Nevertheless, they anxiously await a full-length body of new music. 

While the lyricism is more mature, the roots and foundation are the same — a result of commitment to stay true to herself throughout her growth as a person and an artist. The themes of loneliness, sisterhood and friendships seep into her songs. One of her songs, “Deep End,” was written about her sister’s struggles with mental health. “I’ll be your medicine if you let me / Give you reason to get out of bed.” Humberstone shares personal experiences beyond generic topics. Ultimately, her newest release is a reflection of her journey so far, and an introspective look into her experiences. 

Holly’s gut-wrenching lyrics bring the listener in, but she changes the tone with smooth, melancholic vocals. She sets clear boundaries in the song to support herself and her mental health. “Can You Afford To Lose Me?” factors in the hardships of any relationship while acknowledging the pain and strength of ending it. Through the lyrics, you can tell how much she’s grown, not only artistically but emotionally, too. She sings “But once you’re gone / You can’t come back.” While the world is starting to believe in Holly’s work, it seems she’s beginning to believe in herself. 

“This is the final time I’ll draw the line / I’ve suffered long enough.” She sings the lyrics with a slight animosity. Without knowing the whole picture, you see yourself in the situation and understand the emotions through your own experiences. Although this song feels like a comforting hug in many ways, it can also be a shoulder to cry on, a person who finally makes you feel as if they understand. 

The song stays within the piano serenade style we are used to from Holly, but the production value improves with every new release. Co-written and produced by Rob Milton, her usual collaborator, the listener can hear their improvement and growth together as collaborators. 

“Can You Afford To Lose Me?” might be the first Holly Humberstone song you’ve listened to, but it certainly will not be the last. This artist has honesty and charisma to her awkwardness, on top of her beautifully crafted songs. Be sure to add Holly’s music to your sad girl playlists or any other titles your heart desires.