Liza Anne’s New Album “Fine But Dying” Sets Standard for Mental Illness Dialogue

Liza Anne’s “Fine But Dying” album dropped into existence last week to my excitement. Over the past few months, she has released several singles to tease her fans with, “Paranoia, “Closest to Me” and “I’m Tired, You’re Lonely.”

These singles gave listeners a small taste of what her album would bring, specifically an open dialogue about the ups and downs of mental illness. Liza, herself, has experience with mental health being diagnosed with depression and panic disorder. All of her songs come from the heart and experience, and her songs reflect this. There is a tenseness in the sound as she confronts the stigmatized topic of mental health and herself. Guitar solos riddle the entire album that give a strength to her softer voice, along with one guitar solo gradually increasing speed to give even more impact on the tense feeling.

The first single off the album, “Paranoia,” actually relates to her feelings of anxiety and doubt in a relationship and how it won’t go away. She sings that the person she is in a relationship with second guesses their decision to be with her, “I’m scared you’re not mine and you want out.” These feelings might not have any foundation, but she still feels it anyway.

“Closest to Me,” the second single, talks about the walls people build to protect themselves in close relationships. She sings about how immediate reactions can hurt others as well. She doesn’t think before she speaks, which hurts those she knows very well, “I speak before I know what I mean.”

One of my favorites off the album is “Panic Attack.” Liza Anne connects the song immediately with her panic disorder and what it happens to her during a panic attack. Those who have panic disorder or have experienced panic attacks can connect to this song on different level. Panic attacks can sometimes feel as if you can’t breathe nor speak. Liza sings about this, “My words disappear to a dry tongue.” This song gives chills to those it speaks to on a deep level.

I’ve never listened to an album so open and honest about what it’s like living with a mental illness. “Fine But Dying” truly opens up a dialogue for those who experience mental illnesses and those who do not understand what it’s like.

There are other songs on the album about romance and the feelings of being completely open and in love with another human. Overall, the album is a cohesive and amazing experience with deep human connection.

Liza Anne is going on tour to support her newest album that includes a stop in St. Louis Sunday, April 8th. We are giving away two free tickets to one person on our Facebook. Go like our Facebook page and comment on this post to enter to win
The winner will be chosen March 24.

Check out her website here and her Facebook here

By Lauren Leady