Motivation
Self-Released, 2026
9/10
The Charlotte indie-pop artist Hallie Grace makes an impression with this debut, where themes of life’s up and downs are met with sincerity and playfulness.
The title track opens with ambience and wordless vocals before Grace’s warm singing enters the brief tune, and “Vices” follows with a beat driven moment that allows for Grace’s expressive voice to guide the modern-pop ideas.
Deeper into the 11 songs, “WASTE IT” balances intimacy with frisky ideas that uses the piano strategically, while “you’re still here” lands in balladry via the emotive keys from Nathan Pauley that suit Grace’s poetic singing.
Closer to the end, the dreamy and lush “Hold Me Tight” offers a vulnerable moment of beauty and exploration, and “When The Rain Falls” exits with a more folk presence via the cozy acoustic guitar and powerful singing that tugs on the heartstrings.
Grace went through some serious turmoil right as she was finishing this album, and that is reflected in many of the very personal themes, while other songs are animated, pop filled moments that could soundtrack a night at the club.
An artist with many dimensions to her craft, this is an excellent starting point and it illustrates Grace’s ability to find light even in the darkest of times.
Travels well with: Dwight + Nicole- Day Or Night; Tobacco & Rose- Tobacco & Rose