I listened to OpCritical’s debut single, Not Alone, and I have to say, it really hits hard, both musically and emotionally. From the first notes, I could tell this isn’t just another song; it’s a call to action. The way it riffs off Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young’s Ohio immediately grabbed my attention, but the lyrics feel completely modern and urgent. Listening to it, I could feel the weight of the message—they’re speaking directly to the moment we’re living in, warning about authoritarianism and the dangers of militarized forces within our own country.
The lyrics are what really struck me. When OpCritical sings about “King Trump’s Army” and repeats the line, “together we’re not alone,” it genuinely made me feel a sense of solidarity and purpose. It’s not preachy it’s more like someone sitting across from you, saying, “This matters, and we can do something about it.” I felt a mix of anger, sadness, and hope all at once. The song doesn’t shy away from confronting the reality of ICE, Border Patrol, and National Guard abuses, and it does so in a way that makes you want to take action without feeling hopeless.
The music video took the song to another level for me. Watching the little girl see cartoons switch to violent footage, and then witnessing the oppressive figure disintegrate as balloons rise—it gave me chills. It’s a clever, symbolic way of showing that unity and hope can overcome fear and violence. I found myself replaying the video just to take in all the details and metaphors, it’s that thought-provoking.
Not Alone feels like the start of something important. OpCritical isn’t just making music, they’re starting a conversation that needs to happen. Listening to this song made me reflect on my own role in standing up for decency and justice, and I can’t wait to see what they release next. This is a debut that demands attention.
Connect with OPCRITICAL on OPCRITICAL.COM, SOUNDCLOUD, YOUTUBE
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