13-year old Grace VanderWaal drops “Escape My Mind,” the fourth teaser track from her highly-anticipated debut album, Just the Beginning (November 3).

Truly, America’s Got Talent.  Grace VanderWaal, a mere kid, proved that, winning the popular television show.  The thing is, not only did she win a reality competition, she truly possesses talent – she’s got chops.  After releasing a debut EP in 2016, Perfectly Imperfect, she arrives in 2017 with her full-length debut album, Just the Beginning.  In advance of Just the Beginning, she dropped several teaser songs: “Moonlight,” “So Much More Than This,” “Sick of Being Told,” and now, “Escape My Mind.”  

“Escape My Mind” continues the consistency and excellence of the preceding promo singles. The ukuelele is prominently featured within the production, clearly a staple of the Grace VanderWaal sound.  The production as a whole is strong, backing up the ukuelele with a sensational, tropically-infused, percussive groove.  In addition to the palette of instrumental sounds, VanderWaal continues to sound much more mature than her years.  Vocally she’s quite assertive, showcasing emotion, grit, and nuance.

As for the song itself, it’s incredibly catchy.  The best moments come by way of the pre-chorus and chorus sections.  On the pre-chorus section, VanderWaal builds up the emotion, supported by backing vocals.

“I hate you ’cause I’ve always / Look at your picture / And I tell myself / That I’m over you /But then I get a little unsure.”

On the chorus, she lets loose, showing full command.

“I wish I could get you / Out of my mind /But I think about it all the time /And I wish I could not think / For once in my life / But when I see your face / I can’t escape my mind.”

Final Thoughts 

Perhaps it’s overemphasized, but to be 13 years old, Grace VanderWaal is pretty amazing.  Her future, beyond her forthcoming album, might be what’s most promising.  In the present, “Escape My Mind” gives her another winning single.  As of yet, she’s not missed.

Grace VanderWaal • Just the Beginning • Columbia • Release: 11.3.17

Photo Credit: Columbia