Lauren Minear Channels Satire, Power & Patriarchal Pressure on Fierce New Single “Perfect Girl”
Originally from Nashville and now based in New York, Lauren Minear is a distinctive artist known for translating the nuances of human experience into emotionally resonant music. With a voice reminiscent of Natalie Merchant, Dido, and Maggie Rogers, and songwriting often compared to Joni Mitchell and Sarah McLachlan, Minear blends raw vulnerability with incisive storytelling, creating songs that cut straight to the emotional core.
Lauren Minear’s sophomore album, Chasing Daylight (independent), released on May 31, 2024, marked a major step forward in her artistic evolution, earning critical acclaim for its emotional depth and clarity. Earmilk praised the record as “a colorful exploration of visibility and self-discovery,” while IMR highlighted her introspective lyricism and captivating delivery. The album explores themes of identity, vulnerability, and being truly seen, resonating with listeners through its intimate yet universal storytelling.
Building on that momentum, Minear released her third album, Boxing Day, an alt-rock project expected in October that signals a bolder, more urgent sonic direction. Known for a voice reminiscent of Natalie Merchant, Dido, and Maggie Rogers, and songwriting often compared to Joni Mitchell and Sarah McLachlan, Minear has earned praise for her ability to translate complex emotional experiences into deeply relatable songs—an ability summed up by multi-platinum songwriter Andrea Stolpe, who notes her rare gift for making even the most difficult experiences feel accessible and human.
Lauren Minear returns with “Perfect Girl,” a darkly playful and razor-sharp exploration of the impossible expectations placed on women. Written from the perspective of a fictional, satirical character, the track exposes the absurdity of perfection and the way striving for it can erode individuality and humanity, blending humor and critique to highlight the pressures of shapeshifting to please others.
Built on deliberately rigid, mechanical production, “Perfect Girl” mirrors the emotional detachment the song critiques, with clipped rhythms and hard edges underscoring the toll of trying to be universally palatable. Originally drafted in 2021, the track found its true place on Minear’s third album, Boxing Day (released October 17), a project rooted in anger, honesty, and reclamation, where it emerges as a standout moment of clarity, satire, and empowerment.
Make sure you check out “Perfect Girl” on Spotify below!
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Who am I? Just some guy who decided to start writing on the Internet years ago and now operates his own brand and site. Owner/Operator of Modern Neon Media, I make all kinds of niche content to suit my interests at the time. DIY Enthusiast, Brewmaster extraordinaire, and avid freak for geek culture. Follow on my socials for a more “on” version of me.
