Shaylee is Elle Archer, a singer from Portland, Oregon, and she handles nearly everything on the record—writing, production, vocals, guitars, bass, various keyboards, drums, and percussion—and does a helluva job at all of it. There’s none of the tentative playing that sometimes marks overdubbed and self-produced efforts. She creates her own soundworld (though there are reflections of greats like The Beatles, Wilco, and Neko Case) but doesn’t rely on the atmosphere to provide all the musical interest (I’m looking at you, Alabama Shakes). The melodies, chords, and structures are catchy and well thought out. The swirling synths complement the guitar work, and her dusky alto is easy on the ears, though the emphasis in her power pop is still on “power.” As the album title intimates, it’s a very personal record: Elle bares her mistakes and self-doubt without apology. The lyrics are therapeutic and sometimes morose or self-flagellating, but the music gives them universality, even to someone whose life is in a very different place. The writing tends to be matter-of-fact, but a handful of phrases find their poetic target. This one is staying in rotation out of enjoyment, not just critical duty.

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