Parcels – LOVED: An In-Depth Analysis of the Album Track by Track

Berlin, 2025. The air’s thick with the ghosts of old techno clubs, and I’m sipping something bitter in a bar that smells like leather and nostalgia. Parcels’ third album, LOVED, dropped into this world like a love letter written in neon and sweat. Born across studios in Berlin, Byron Bay, Sydney, Oaxaca, and Mexico City, this record is the sound of five Aussie expats—Jules Crommelin, Louie Swain, Patrick Hetherington, Noah Hill, and Anatole “Toto” Serret—reconnecting after a six-month hiatus in 2023, their first real pause since forming in 2014. It’s not just an album; it’s a pulse, a collective exhale that binds their individual journeys into something universal.

LOVED matters because it’s Parcels growing up, raw and unfiltered. Their 2018 debut was a disco-fueled joyride; Day/Night in 2021 was a sprawling meditation. But LOVED digs deeper, leaning into live instrumentation and harmonies that feel like they’re sung in a huddle. It’s about love’s ache—romantic, communal, existential—wrapped in grooves that make you move. The themes are heavy: longing, uncertainty, the weight of connection. Yet the music is buoyant, a funk-laced dance floor where joy and pain collide. The album’s artwork, vibrant and boy band-esque, captures this duality—playful yet earnest, like a jeans ad with a broken heart. It invites you in, cracks open a cold one, and says, “Let’s feel this together.” So, let’s walk through it, track by track, and see where Parcels take us.

1. Tobeloved

Initial Impressions:
“Tobeloved” hits like the first spark of a bonfire, crackling with anticipation and setting the tone for LOVED. It’s a standout, bursting with infectious energy and a restless yearning that pulls you in. This is Parcels at their most alive, promising a journey that’s both exhilarating and tender.

Lyrics Analysis:
Jules Crommelin calls it “love emerging,” and that’s the vibe—hope teetering on the edge of ache. Lines like “I’m waiting for the moment to unfold” (© Parcels, 2025) capture the nervous thrill of possibility, whether it’s romance or the band’s own creative rebirth post-hiatus. The lyrics don’t tell a story so much as evoke a feeling, universal yet personal, like chasing something you can’t quite name. Fans on X echo this, with one calling it “hope in a bottle, but it stings a little” (@SoundWavesX, 2025). It’s ambiguous, mirroring life’s messy emotional stakes.

Melody and Musicality:
The rhythm is pure Parcels funk, driven by Toto’s crisp drums and Noah’s pulsing bass. Shimmering synths, layered in a Berlin countryside studio, float like fireflies, while the guitars weave a bright, optimistic thread. The five-part harmonies are tight, almost tactile, giving the track a live, communal feel. It’s polished but never sterile, every note vibrating with urgency and joy.

Issue Relevance:
In a world still clawing its way out of post-pandemic isolation, “Tobeloved” feels like a defiant act of hope. Its call to embrace vulnerability speaks to 2025’s fractured cultural landscape, where connection feels both vital and elusive. The song’s optimism isn’t naive—it’s a choice, a middle finger to cynicism that invites us to keep reaching.

Insights & Anecdotes:
Jules recalls “Tobeloved” as the first song they “cracked” in Berlin, with him, Pat, and Louie layering synths in a studio surrounded by German countryside. “It felt natural to put this first,” he told OnesToWatch, citing its “energetic and live” vibe. That setting—rustic yet modern—mirrors the song’s blend of raw emotion and polished groove, a blueprint for the album’s heart.

Personal Evaluation:
This track hits me like sunlight through a cracked window, warm but sharp. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to dance and cry in the same breath, a reminder that love—any kind—feels like a gamble worth taking. I love its economy; every note serves the mood. It’s a near-perfect opener, bold and inviting.

Summative Evaluation:
“Tobeloved” is a triumph, vibrant and cohesive, balancing euphoria with introspection. Its infectious energy and tight harmonies shine, though it can feel slightly overpolished at times. Still, it’s a bold statement, launching LOVED with heart and momentum. A stellar start.

2. Ifyoucall

Initial Impressions:
“Ifyoucall” is a restless, groove-heavy bridge between Parcels’ dance-floor roots and their deeper emotional turn. It’s not the flashiest track, but its layered production and ambiguity make it a transitional gem, pulling you into the album’s introspective core with a funky swagger.

Lyrics Analysis:
Rooted in Brazilian Baile dance music, “Ifyoucall” grapples with distance and longing. “If you call, I’ll be there in a heartbeat” (© Parcels, 2025) carries a bittersweet edge, blurring devotion and desperation. Patrick Hetherington notes its ambiguity, reflecting life’s unclear emotional lines. It’s a love song, sure, but it’s also about the ache of separation—physical or otherwise. X fans call it “a cry across oceans” (@PopVibesX, 2025), and that resonates; it’s universal yet deeply personal.

Melody and Musicality:
The track keeps Baile’s syncopated pulse but morphs into Parcels’ funk-pop signature. Dry nylon guitars from one studio, live band takes from Mexico, and group vocals from Sydney create a global, textured sound. The mid-tempo groove, anchored by Noah’s bass and Toto’s drums, feels warm and insistent, with subtle synths adding depth. It’s a sonic mosaic, cohesive yet eclectic.

Issue Relevance:
Longing is timeless, but in 2025, “Ifyoucall” hits harder. With remote work and globalized lives keeping people apart, its themes of distance and devotion feel urgent. It’s a reminder that connection requires effort, a message that cuts through the noise of a hyper-connected yet lonely world.

Insights & Anecdotes:
Patrick describes “Ifyoucall” as a song that “changed through the band process,” starting as a Baile-inspired demo and evolving across studios. The Mexico sessions brought live energy, while Sydney’s group vocals added intimacy. “It’s ambiguous, like life,” he told OnesToWatch, and that raw honesty shapes the track’s restless heart.

Personal Evaluation:
This one sneaks up on you. It’s not an instant banger, but its groove worms its way in, and the lyrics linger like a half-remembered promise. I feel the push-pull of hope and doubt in my gut, and it’s beautiful in its uncertainty. It’s a grower, rewarding every listen.

Summative Evaluation:
“Ifyoucall” is a subtle triumph, its layered production and emotional depth shining through. It lacks the immediate punch of some tracks but rewards patience with its rich textures and heartfelt ambiguity. A vital piece of LOVED’s puzzle, it deepens the album’s emotional arc.

3. Safeandsound

Initial Impressions:
“Safeandsound” is a warm, hook-laden embrace, a standout that balances introspection with Parcels’ knack for clean, danceable grooves. It’s a moment of reassurance in the album’s emotional whirlwind, grounding you with its communal vibe and polished charm.

Lyrics Analysis:
Inspired by Tom Lutz’s podcast The Cloud of Unknowing, Jules wrote this as a love letter to embracing uncertainty. “In the cloud, I’m safe and sound” (© Parcels, 2025) captures a zen-like acceptance of life’s unknowns, set against a backdrop of Sydney’s veggie gardens and passing planes. It’s personal—Jules was navigating a move to Sydney—but universal, speaking to anyone wrestling with the future. X posts praise its “calm in the chaos” vibe (@IndieEcho, 2025).

Melody and Musicality:
Recorded live at Golden Retriever studios in Sydney, this track is a masterclass in Parcels’ live-band energy. Jules and Pat’s guitars dance with Louie’s wirly, Noah’s bass, and Toto’s drums, all locked in a sunlit groove. The group vocals, sung around a single mic, feel like a hug. The tempo is steady, uplifting, with a clean, hooky arrangement that sparkles.

Issue Relevance:
In 2025, with global anxieties—climate, politics, tech overload—still simmering, “Safeandsound” offers a radical kind of peace. Its embrace of the “unknowable” feels like a balm, encouraging listeners to find comfort in uncertainty rather than fear it. It’s a quiet rebellion against a world obsessed with control.

Insights & Anecdotes:
Jules credits a Marrickville sandwich and a good post-lunch vibe for the track’s live take. “We were all in one room,” he told OnesToWatch, emphasizing the song’s communal spirit. The podcast inspiration gave it a philosophical core, while Sydney’s backyard setting grounded it in everyday beauty.

Personal Evaluation:
This one feels like coming home. The melody lifts you up, but the lyrics remind you it’s okay to not have all the answers. It’s intellectually soothing and emotionally warm, like a conversation with a friend who gets it. I keep humming it, and that’s a win.

Summative Evaluation:
“Safeandsound” is a gem, cohesive and uplifting with flawless hooks and heartfelt lyrics. Its live energy and philosophical depth make it a standout, though it risks feeling too safe at times. Still, it’s a vital heartbeat in LOVED, radiating warmth and wisdom.

4. Sorry

Initial Impressions:
“Sorry” is a complex, transitional track that shifts between earnest apology and sly sarcasm. It’s not the album’s peak, but its nylon guitars and layered production add depth, making it a compelling piece of LOVED’s emotional mosaic.

Lyrics Analysis:
Drawing from Rihanna’s “Te Amo,” “Sorry” is both a heartfelt apology and a colder, almost insincere jab. “Sorry, it hurts to be loved” (© Parcels, 2025) feels like a confession to someone specific, yet broad enough to touch everyone. Patrick calls it “extending a hand” but admits its sarcastic edge. X fans note its duality, with one calling it “an apology you’re not sure you mean” (@VibeCheckX, 2025). It’s raw and conflicted, mirroring love’s complications.

Melody and Musicality:
The nylon guitars give “Sorry” a warm, almost Latin flair, while the multi-studio production—Berlin to Sydney—adds a textured, slightly chaotic feel. The tempo is mid-paced, with a groove that sways rather than drives. The group vocals add intimacy, but there’s a cool detachment in the arrangement that matches the lyrics’ ambiguity.

Issue Relevance:
In a culture quick to cancel or judge, “Sorry” wrestles with accountability and sincerity. Its ambiguity reflects 2025’s complex social dynamics, where apologies are often scrutinized for authenticity. The song asks us to consider what it means to own your mistakes—or fake it.

Insights & Anecdotes:
Patrick notes the song’s journey through multiple studios, with Rihanna’s influence shaping its vibe. “It’s earnest but cold,” he told OnesToWatch, highlighting its dual nature. The Berlin origins and nylon guitars gave it a unique flavor, setting it apart in the album’s flow.

Personal Evaluation:
“Sorry” is a slow burn, its ambiguity both frustrating and fascinating. It doesn’t grab me like “Tobeloved,” but its layered emotions keep me coming back, peeling back new meanings. It’s like a conversation you don’t fully understand but can’t stop replaying in your head.

Summative Evaluation:
“Sorry” is a solid, if understated, track, its strength lying in its emotional complexity and unique guitar work. It feels slightly disjointed at times, but that mirrors its lyrical tension. It’s a necessary shade in LOVED’s palette, adding depth to the album’s narrative.

5. Yougotmefeeling

Initial Impressions:
“Yougotmefeeling” is a high point, a euphoric yet forlorn banger that’s one of the year’s best tracks. It’s the album’s emotional core, blending Parcels’ danceable grooves with a raw vulnerability that hits hard and lingers.

Lyrics Analysis:
Written by Noah Hill in sunny Australia, the lyrics—“You got me feeling like I’m not enough” (© Parcels, 2025)—cut deep, capturing the insecurity of wondering if you’re wanted. It’s a universal ache, set against idyllic imagery of ocean glints. X fans call it “sunshine with a shadow” (@MelodyMuseX, 2025), and that’s spot-on. The song’s blend of euphoria and doubt feels like standing in paradise while your heart breaks.

Melody and Musicality:
This track is Parcels at their peak: a driving funk groove, sun-soaked guitars, and harmonies that soar like seagulls. The tempo is upbeat, with Toto’s drums and Noah’s bass locking in tight. Synths add a dreamy sheen, grounding the forlorn lyrics in a hopeful soundscape. It’s a masterclass in balancing light and dark.

Issue Relevance:
In 2025, when social media amplifies self-doubt, “Yougotmefeeling” speaks to the quiet insecurities we all carry. Its raw honesty about not feeling enough is a counterpoint to curated online lives, making it a vital anthem for anyone navigating love or self-worth in a hyper-visible world.

Insights & Anecdotes:
Noah wrote this at home, inspired by Australia’s sun and sea. “It’s about that feeling we’ve all felt,” he told OnesToWatch, tying it to universal doubt. The live recording in Sydney captured its vibrant energy, with the band’s chemistry turning personal pain into communal catharsis.

Personal Evaluation:
This one wrecked me. The groove makes me want to dance, but the lyrics hit like a punch to the chest. It’s the kind of song that feels like it knows you, mirroring your own doubts with uncanny precision. It’s perfect, plain and simple, and I’m still spinning it.

Summative Evaluation:
“Yougotmefeeling” is a masterpiece, cohesive and emotionally resonant. Its infectious groove and raw lyrics are flawless, with no weak spots. It’s the heart of LOVED, a track that elevates the album to greatness with its universal pain and joyous delivery.

6. Leaves

Initial Impressions:
“Leaves” is a breakup song with a twist, turning heartache into a joyous celebration. It’s a transitional track, not the flashiest, but its analog warmth and communal vibe make it a vital part of LOVED’s emotional arc.

Lyrics Analysis:
“Leaves” is straightforward: “You’re leaving, and I’m not ready” (© Parcels, 2025). Patrick calls it a breakup song, but the band sings it with such joy that it feels like a release. The lyrics capture the raw pain of loss but frame it as a shared experience, less about despair and more about acceptance. X posts praise its “happy-sad magic” (@TuneTalesX, 2025), and that duality drives its emotional weight.

Melody and Musicality:
Recorded straight to analog tape in Sydney, “Leaves” has a warm, lived-in groove. The rhythm is steady, with Toto’s drums and Noah’s bass giving it a heartbeat. The guitars and synths add color, while the group vocals—sung with infectious energy—turn sorrow into something communal. It’s raw yet polished, a perfect balance.

Issue Relevance:
Breakups are universal, but in 2025’s fast-paced world, “Leaves” reminds us to process loss collectively. Its joyous delivery suggests healing through community, a message that resonates in an era where loneliness is a quiet epidemic. It’s a call to lean on others when things fall apart.

Insights & Anecdotes:
Patrick notes the analog tape gave the track “more feeling.” Started in Berlin and re-recorded live in Sydney, it captures the band’s communal spirit. “We sing it with joy,” he told OnesToWatch, emphasizing how the process turned personal pain into a shared celebration.

Personal Evaluation:
“Leaves” is a sneaky one. It’s not an instant hit, but its warmth grows on you. The joy in the vocals lifts the heavy lyrics, making me feel oddly hopeful about heartbreak. It’s like a friend saying, “It hurts, but we’ll get through it together.” I’m sold.

Summative Evaluation:
“Leaves” is a strong, cohesive track, its analog warmth and communal vocals shining. It’s not the album’s peak, but its emotional honesty and joyous delivery make it essential. The balance of pain and celebration is near-perfect, adding depth to LOVED’s narrative.

7. Everybodyelse

Initial Impressions:
“Everybodyelse” is a quirky, transitional track that captures the absurdity of feeling like part of the herd. It’s not a standout, but its live energy and playful lyrics add a light, reflective moment to LOVED’s heavier themes.

Lyrics Analysis:
Patrick wrote this to “make myself chuckle,” with lines like “I’m just like everybody else” (© Parcels, 2025) poking fun at conformity. Improvised during recording, the lyrics capture fleeting moments of feeling lost in the crowd. X fans call it “a cheeky take on fitting in” (@GrooveGuruX, 2025). It’s less about deep emotion and more about wry observation, a breather in the album’s intensity.

Melody and Musicality:
Recorded live near Byron Bay, the track has a loose, almost ambient vibe. The full-band take is tight, with Toto’s drums and synth overtones creating a dreamy backdrop. A second take with ambient guitars and Toto reading a newspaper adds a playful, experimental edge. The short edit on the album keeps it punchy but leaves you wanting more.

Issue Relevance:
In 2025, when social media pressures us to stand out while blending in, “Everybodyelse” is a sly commentary on identity. Its lighthearted take on conformity feels timely, poking at the tension between individuality and the collective in a hyper-connected world.

Insights & Anecdotes:
Patrick’s demo evolved in a Byron Bay studio, with two live takes capturing the band’s spontaneity. “We kept it loose,” he told OnesToWatch, noting the improvised lyrics and ambient elements. The newspaper bit—pure Parcels whimsy—adds a layer of charm to the track’s quirky heart.

Personal Evaluation:
This one’s a bit of a wildcard. It’s fun, almost silly, but it doesn’t hit me as hard as the heavier tracks. Still, its playfulness is refreshing, and I catch myself grinning at the lyrics. It’s a palate cleanser, and I respect its place in the mix.

Summative Evaluation:
“Everybodyelse” is a fun, if minor, addition to LOVED. Its live energy and playful lyrics shine, but it feels less essential than others. The short edit works, though I’m curious about the full 10-minute version. It’s a charming detour, adding variety to the album.

8. Summerinlove

Initial Impressions:
“Summerinlove” is a tender, nostalgic gem, a moment of stillness in LOVED’s forward momentum. It’s not the flashiest, but its heartfelt lyrics and live warmth make it a standout for its quiet beauty.

Lyrics Analysis:
Jules wrote this as a post-breakup reflection, with lines like “Summer in love, but it’s gone” (© Parcels, 2025) aching with denial and hope. It’s about clinging to a past love, knowing it’s over. X fans call it “a Polaroid of heartbreak” (@LyricLoverX, 2025). The nostalgia is palpable, universal in its longing for what was and what might’ve been.

Melody and Musicality:
Recorded live at Golden Retriever studios in Sydney, the track is soft and warm, with gentle guitars and a steady rhythm from Toto and Noah. The harmonies are lush, wrapping the lyrics in a bittersweet embrace. The tempo is slow, almost wistful, letting the emotion breathe.

Issue Relevance:
In 2025, when nostalgia fuels everything from fashion to TikTok trends, “Summerinlove” taps into our collective yearning for simpler times. Its post-breakup lens speaks to anyone stuck on “what if,” making it a poignant reminder to let go while cherishing the past.

Insights & Anecdotes:
Jules wrote this in Sydney, channeling post-breakup denial. “It’s about hoping it’s not over,” he told OnesToWatch. The live recording captured the band’s intimacy, with the harmonies turning personal pain into a shared moment. The Golden Retriever sessions gave it a warm, analog glow.

Personal Evaluation:
This track feels like a warm summer night, heavy with memory. It’s gentle but piercing, and I feel the ache in my bones. The harmonies make it feel like the band’s holding your hand through the hurt. It’s beautiful, and I’m a sucker for its tenderness.

Summative Evaluation:
“Summerinlove” is a quiet triumph, its nostalgic lyrics and warm harmonies shining. It’s cohesive and emotionally rich, though its softness might not grab everyone. Still, it’s a vital part of LOVED, offering a tender pause in the album’s vibrant journey.

9. Leaveyourlove

Initial Impressions:
“Leaveyourlove” is a joyous, groove-heavy standout, Parcels in sicko mode. It’s the album’s most communal track, a celebration of love and connection that hits like a dance-floor epiphany.

Lyrics Analysis:
“Leave your love with me” (© Parcels, 2025) is a call to share and connect, sung with boy band-esque flair. Noah, Pat, and Jules trade verses, each bringing their own flavor to a song about collective joy. X fans rave about its “party vibe with heart” (@DanceFloorX, 2025). It’s less about personal pain and more about love as a shared act, infectious and uplifting.

Melody and Musicality:
Starting as a Berlin drum loop, the track exploded in Oaxaca with joyous vocals and live energy. The rhythm is relentless, with Toto’s drums and Noah’s bass driving a funk-disco groove. The guitars and synths are bright, and the traded vocals add a playful, communal vibe. It’s a banger, pure and simple.

Issue Relevance:
In a divided 2025, “Leaveyourlove” is a unifier, celebrating connection over isolation. Its communal energy feels like a call to come together—on the dance floor or in life—making it a vital anthem for a world craving unity.

Insights & Anecdotes:
Patrick calls it “our first new song in a while,” born from a Berlin jam and fleshed out in Oaxaca’s beach and mountain sessions. “We had fun trading lines like a boy band,” he told OnesToWatch. The Berlin video shoot completed the circle, capturing its joyous spirit.

Personal Evaluation:
This track is pure adrenaline, a shot of joy that makes me want to dance with strangers. The groove is infectious, and the vocals feel like a group hug. It’s everything I love about Parcels—fun, heartfelt, and alive. I’m obsessed.

Summative Evaluation:
“Leaveyourlove” is a knockout, its relentless groove and communal vocals making it a highlight. It’s cohesive, joyous, and flawless, with no weak spots. It’s LOVED’s dance-floor heart, a track that demands to be felt as much as heard.

10. Thinkaboutit

Initial Impressions:
“Thinkaboutit” is a fun, Talking Heads-inspired track, a transitional piece that brings playful energy to LOVED’s back half. It’s not the deepest, but its infectious vibe and live spontaneity make it a delight.

Lyrics Analysis:
“Think about it, don’t overthink it” (© Parcels, 2025) is a lighthearted nudge to let go, with Noah’s lyrics channeling a carefree spirit. It’s less about heavy themes and more about vibing, a moment of levity. X fans call it “a funky pep talk” (@BeatBopX, 2025), and that’s the vibe—simple but effective.

Melody and Musicality:
Recorded live in Mexico City’s El Desierto, the track is a burst of energy, with a funky rhythm and backup vocals that nod to Talking Heads. Toto’s drums and Noah’s bass drive the groove, while the guitars and synths add a hyper-pop flair. The live takes, with dance moves, are pure fun.

Issue Relevance:
In a world of overthinking—hello, 2025’s endless news cycles—“Thinkaboutit” is a reminder to breathe and move. Its playful energy feels like a counterpoint to anxiety, urging us to find joy in the moment, even if just for a few minutes.

Insights & Anecdotes:
Jules recalls channeling Talking Heads for the backup vocals, with the band dancing around the mic in Mexico. “Noah was out front, we were his backup group,” he told OnesToWatch. The bedroom demo’s fun energy carried through, making it a spontaneous highlight.

Personal Evaluation:
This track is a blast, like a shot of espresso in the album’s flow. It’s not profound, but it doesn’t need to be—it’s fun, and I’m here for it. The live energy makes me smile, and I can’t help but move. It’s a mood-lifter.

Summative Evaluation:
“Thinkaboutit” is a joyful, cohesive track, its funky energy and live spontaneity shining. It’s not the album’s deepest moment, but it doesn’t try to be. It’s a perfect burst of fun, adding variety and charm to LOVED’s emotional landscape.

11. Finallyover

Initial Impressions:
“Finallyover” is a reflective gem, a standout that channels solitude into something beautiful. Its intimate lyrics and live warmth make it a powerful moment in LOVED’s closing stretch.

Lyrics Analysis:
Jules wrote this post-tour, dreaming of his Sydney garden and childhood beach days. “Finally over, I’m home alone” (© Parcels, 2025) captures a positive kind of solitude, finding peace in your own world. X fans call it “a love song to yourself” (@SoulVibesX, 2025). It’s introspective but uplifting, a celebration of being alone without loneliness.

Melody and Musicality:
Recorded live at Golden Retriever studios, the track is warm and intimate, with gentle guitars and Toto’s expressive drums. The harmonies, sung together, feel like a shared exhale. The tempo is steady, letting the lyrics breathe, while the arrangement’s simplicity amplifies its emotional weight.

Issue Relevance:
In 2025, when hustle culture glorifies constant connection, “Finallyover” champions solitude as a strength. Its embrace of quiet moments feels radical, offering a counterpoint to the pressure to always be “on.” It’s a reminder that alone doesn’t mean lonely.

Insights & Anecdotes:
Jules wrote this after an Asia tour, inspired by rock pools and sparkling shells. “It’s about being alone in a positive sense,” he told OnesToWatch. The live Sydney session, with the band singing together, captured that intimate glow, making it a heartfelt closer.

Personal Evaluation:
This one feels like a deep breath after a long day. The lyrics hit me in a quiet place, reminding me of my own solo moments by the sea. The harmonies are like a warm blanket, and I love how it finds joy in solitude. It’s special.

Summative Evaluation:
“Finallyover” is a beautiful, cohesive track, its introspective lyrics and warm harmonies shining. It’s simple but profound, a perfect late-album moment. Its only flaw is its restraint, but that’s also its strength. It’s a vital part of LOVED’s emotional arc.

12. Iwanttobeyourlightagain

Initial Impressions:
“Iwanttobeyourlightagain” is LOVED’s sprawling, emotional closer, a collage of memories and longing. It’s a standout, blending raw vulnerability with experimental energy, leaving you both wrecked and hopeful.

Lyrics Analysis:
Patrick’s lyrics—“I want to be your light again” (© Parcels, 2025)—weave a tapestry of shared and personal memories, from Berlin moves to Australian deserts. It’s a diary of love, loss, and time, both sweet and painful. X fans call it “a scrapbook in song form” (@MusicHeartX, 2025). Its expansive, poetic nature makes it a fitting, cathartic end.

Melody and Musicality:
Starting as a Berlin demo, it grew in Mexico with ghostly synths and live improvisation. Toto’s expressive drums and fuzzy guitars add raw energy, while the harmonies tie it together. The tempo shifts, mirroring the lyrics’ collage-like flow. It’s ambitious, almost chaotic, but lands beautifully.

Issue Relevance:
In 2025, when time feels like it’s slipping faster, this track’s meditation on memory and connection feels urgent. Its raw vulnerability speaks to a world craving authenticity, making it a powerful closer that asks us to hold onto what matters.

Insights & Anecdotes:
Patrick calls it “a big diary,” written over a Mexico instrumental with ghostly synths. “We improvised loosely,” he told OnesToWatch, noting the fun of editing the live takes. The band’s shared memories—Berlin, the desert—ground the track’s personal and collective heart.

Personal Evaluation:
This one’s a gut-punch. The sprawling lyrics and chaotic energy mirror my own messy memories, and the harmonies feel like a lifeline. It’s raw, ambitious, and deeply moving, leaving me reflective but hopeful. It’s the perfect way to close LOVED, and I’m still processing it.

Summative Evaluation:
“Iwanttobeyourlightagain” is a stunning closer, its ambitious scope and raw emotion making it a highlight. The live improvisation and heartfelt lyrics are flawless, though its chaos might overwhelm some. It’s a bold, cathartic end to LOVED, cementing its place as a masterpiece.

Final Thoughts

LOVED is Parcels at their peak, a record that’s both a party and a confession. It’s joyous, vulnerable, and unafraid to let the gloss crack for something more human. From the euphoric “Yougotmefeeling” to the tender “Summerinlove” and the sprawling “Iwanttobeyourlightagain,” every track adds to a cohesive, resonant whole. The band’s evolution—deeper, braver, more connected—makes this one of 2025’s best pop projects. It’s not perfect; some tracks, like “Sorry” and “Everybodyelse,” feel less essential, but even those shine in context. Parcels have crafted something special here, a celebration of love in all its messy, beautiful forms. I’m already itching to spin it again. Rating 85/100