Hawke proves no ‘stranger’ to beauty of divine chaos in latest release
Pure angels in the heavens above are only a tainted illusion. True chaos stains periwinkle skies, as the angel of Maya Hawke’s imagination is brought to life melodically in her upcoming album Chaos Angel. Set to release on May 31, 2024, Chaos Angel will be Hawke’s third studio album. Although better known for acting, Hawke’s music continues to grow in both quantity and popularity; the actor’s heavenly voice is finally receiving much deserved recognition. Chaos Angel will have 10 tracks and feature collaborations with Benjamin Lazar Davis and Will Graefe.
Hawke explained that the album’s title is about an angel who was supposed to be the angel of love but ended up causing destruction. However, after stepping back she realizes that out of the destruction grew love and beauty, mentioning how “the necessary ingredient for love is change, and the necessary ingredient for change is chaos.”
“Missing Out,” the first single for Chaos Angel, was released on February 14, 2024. “Missing Out” was inspired by Hawke’s time living with her brother near Brown University and a girl she met at a party there. This song takes on relatable themes of rejection, regrets, and feeling different from everyone. While the song shares Hawke’s struggles with her fame and identity, it feels honest but not pitiful. “Missing Out” was released with a sci-fi inspired music video. The video clearly portrays the themes of the song, showing Hawke strapped to the chair and forced to watch the life she could have lived.
The second single, “Dark,” was released on March 20 along with a music video. While Hawke describes “Dark” as a “cut and dry lovesong,” she has also revealed that the chorus was written years back while she was struggling with nighttime anxiety. The music video is very different from that of “Missing Out,” but it fits the song perfectly.
“Hang In There” is a song about comforting friends through toxic relationships. While the song takes on depressing themes, it feels comforting to listen to, which makes it just the song you’d want to listen to while going through something. Unlike the previous singles, “Hang In There” was not released with an official music video, but it did get a lyric video.
Just by listening to the singles, it is clear that Chaos Angel will continue to display Hawke’s talent. While Chaos Angel seems melancholy, similar to Hawke’s previous albums, the album shows her embracing the patterns of life and self acceptance that gives it a more uplifting feel.
Hawke will be playing three sold-out album release shows following the release of Chaos Angel. The first two of these shows will be played in Nashville on June 1st, and the last show will be played on June 2nd in Atlanta.
Aside from Chaos Angel, Hawke has many other upcoming projects. She starred in the movie Wildcat, which released May 3, and voices the new emotion, Anxiety, in Inside Out 2, which is set to release on June 14. She is also in the process of filming the fifth season of Stranger Things, arguably her most notable role in which she plays queer teenager, Robin.
Chaos Angel is set to be a deep and relatable album, featuring an acoustic guitar and Hawke’s angelic voice. Similar to her previous albums, fans can expect nothing short of grace and elegance from Chaos Angel.
by Genna Blustin
Published May 20 2024
Oshkosh West Index Volume 120 Issue VIII