Wallows, my long-time favorite band, has done it again. Following up on my previous deep dives into their discography, today’s focus is on “Remember When,” a track that has firmly cemented itself as their third most streamed song – and for incredibly good reason. This isn’t just another song in their impressive catalog; “Remember When” has taken up residence in my mind, demanding to be explored and understood.
It’s more than just Wallows’ signature sound that makes “Remember When” so compelling. The song’s instrumentals possess a unique power to unlock a dormant sense of nostalgia, transporting you back to a specific, cherished moment. Listening to it feels akin to reliving a beloved chapter of your life, all within the span of a few minutes. While “Pleaser” once held the top spot as my personal Wallows anthem for years (a song I’ve previously written about), experiencing “Remember When” live irrevocably shifted my perspective.
Right from the outset, the song grabs you with its magnetic electric guitar and drum intro. The rhythm is both dynamic and undeniably catchy – deceptively simple yet remarkably inventive. Despite being released in 2019, “Remember When” carries a distinct essence reminiscent of 2016 or 2017. The instrumental arrangement, seemingly basic with drums, electric guitar, and bass, somehow coalesces into something truly magical and tinged with melancholy.
My personal highlight of the song is undoubtedly the verse: “I can still see you at the place out there when I close my eyes | Do you remember when we felt like the only two alive? | Don’t let me be one of the people that seek a lost romance | Would you go and do it all over again, given a chance?” The raw emotion embedded within these lyrics, particularly the poignant line ‘do you remember when we felt like the only two alive?’, is incredibly potent. It evokes a profound sense of sadness intertwined with a longing for a past, happier time.
Adding to its nostalgic charm, even the title itself, “Remember When,” is inherently evocative. Countless compelling narratives begin with this very phrase, instantly triggering a trip down memory lane.
The only minor drawback of this otherwise perfect track is its brevity. Clocking in at just two and a half minutes, “Remember When” is indeed short and sweet, making it effortlessly replayable.
If you ever have the opportunity, I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing this song at full volume, windows down, during a late-night drive at 2 am or midnight. I can guarantee it will stir something within you.
Don’t just take my word for it – immerse yourself in the visuals and check out the music video for “Remember When”:
