REVIEW: “Alone Together,” Joey Miceli’s Era-Defining Summer Anthem
WRITTEN BY MAKENZIE TAFRALIAN
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Photo by Kali Hendricks
Following a ferocious sophomore album, Joey Miceli astonishes once again in his newest single, “Alone Together.” Coming from his most recent project, Pretenders, 26, Miceli seems to be transporting himself into a new era. From the powerful ballads, heartbreaking soundtracks, and dynamic songwriting of his recent ventures, fans are eager to hear what else Miceli has in store for us.
Miceli has been making music his whole life, essentially born into the pop star status. As a longtime friend and artistic collaborator of mine, I have witnessed the lifelong dedication to his craft very personally. Since his debut EP in 2019, he seems to be non-stop, releasing a new, original, full-length project nearly every year, never short of features and collaborations, mysterious visuals and teaser content, and music videos. Miceli is an artist’s favorite kind of artist because for each project he has released, he has created entire worlds for them, full of stunning visuals and a uniquely cultivated sound, creating entire experiences out of listening to his music. This seems to be true for “Alone Together” as well, as the artist has been teasing new content for the song on his Instagram and TikTok pages.
Somewhat reminiscent of his 2024 hyperpop side-project, BEAU, this new single flawlessly combines haunting storytelling with melodies that burrow a home deep in your brain. On the surface, “Alone Together” presents as the perfect pop dance tune, but upon further dissection of the song, it unveils itself as a tale of heartache and conflicted feelings of yearning. Miceli effortlessly pairs this with silky vocals that resonate in your head and heart well beyond the song’s end, making it the perfect addition to his extensive canon of music. Underscoring his sultry vocals is the most vibrant and cinematic of tracks produced by artist and friend, JHype, highlighting specifically the most addictive drums and sonically satisfying bassline.
“Alone Together” is beautifully painted with ghostly ad-libs and layered vocals enveloping the listener in its dreamlike scape. It poses as hyperpop with such energetic production, but is made into something entirely different when the drums are supplemented by muffled, airy piano chords coasting on the top layer of the chorus. There’s a certain lightness backing the entire song that makes it sound as if it sparkles of silver. Simultaneously, it inspires the kind of head-bop that you couldn’t stop if you tried. It is the kind of dance floor track whose lyrics you scream at the top of your lungs. This is the kind of anthem to shout out of rolled-down windows on the highway at sunset on the most perfect summer night.
“Alone Together,” released just shy of three months after his most recent deluxe project, inspires thoughts in all those watching Joey Miceli’s every move - what’s coming next?
“Alone Together” out now.