Olivia Millin’s debut LP, Start Again, is nothing short of a revelation—a debut that boldly fuses deeply personal storytelling with a vibrant duality of Japanese and Western pop sensibilities. At just 20 years old, Millin proves herself as both a prodigy and a persistent force in an ever-evolving musical landscape, where vulnerability meets reinvention at every twist and turn.
From the very first track, “Be With Me,” to the reflective closing bonus of “Jinx,” the album unfolds like a cinematic journey. Each song is meticulously crafted, drawing from the raw pain of past experiences and the hopeful promise of new beginnings. On “Big Mistake,” for example, Millin lays out the ache and clarity behind a failed relationship with a lyrical finesse that manages to be both brutally honest and tenderly melodic. The bilingual interplay in lines such as “わかっている / すべてのこいはいつか おわる” (I know that all love will end someday) is emblematic of her signature sound—the seamless blend of Eastern poetry and Western pop immediacy.
The record’s production is as daring as its lyrical content. There’s a palpable tension in tracks like “Success” where Millin uses layered pre-choruses and hook-laden refrains to let her ambition shine through. With energetic bursts in the chorus punctuated by jubilant Japanese phrases like “ゆうめいになりたい” (I want to be famous), the song channels anthemic determination that resonates in today’s pop culture zeitgeist. Meanwhile, the softer, more introspective moments on tracks like “Broken Piece of Joy” invite us to reflect on the bittersweet memories of childhood and growth, reminding us that even heartbreak can bloom into beauty.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAkCbcQxNlY
A standout feature of Start Again is its masterful balance between vulnerability and defiance. In “TTYL,” Millin’s playful yet introspective lyrics capture the complexities of modern communication and emotional distance, while also celebrating the liberation that comes from embracing one’s true self. The album’s bilingual narrative isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s a declaration of identity that refuses to be confined by borders or genres.
With influences ranging from Yoasobi to Lady Gaga, Olivia Millin emerges as a hybrid pop sensation whose work transcends cultural norms. Her ability to merge heartfelt ballads with explosive pop anthems ensures that Start Again isn’t just an album—it’s a manifesto of resilience, individuality, and the transformative power of music. Olivia doesn’t just ask for a second chance; she creates a reinvention anthem for anyone brave enough to rewrite their own narrative.
In Start Again, we witness the birth of a new era in pop—a realm where vulnerability is strength, where East meets West in a dazzling display of creative unity, and where Olivia Millin’s star is destined to shine even brighter.
