Album Review: Griffen Palmer, Unlearn

If you’re a fan of The Bachelor, you may have recognized Griffen Palmer singing his hit ‘Second Guessing’ from his new album ‘Unlearn’ on Zach Shallcross’ season. Palmer’s debut is not your typical country album as ‘Unlearn’ takes you on a journey through the peaks and valleys of falling in love, and being in love with extreme vulnerability. Hailing from Pickering, Ontario, Palmer’s album has that small town feel of what a country album is all about, but beautifully highlights the deep and complex issues that one goes through when falling in love.
 
The track ‘Late to the Party’ is a feel-good song, and a personal favourite, that describes the feeling you get when you meet someone you’ve been waiting for your whole life. Palmer gives us hope for finding new love, showing us that even if you’re late to the party meeting the love of your life, it’s worth every minute you’ve waited.
 
The track ‘Unlearn’, named after the album, explores the common feeling we get when relationships are going very well and we are doing our best to not ruin them. ‘Unlearn’ reminds us that to have a healthy relationship, we must undo toxic and hurtful patterns we grew up with, whether it’s watching the deterioration of our parents’ marriages, or coming to terms with the unhealthy nature of previous relationships. ‘Unlearn’ shows us that we are worthy of effortless love and that love shouldn’t have to be hard to be rewarding.
 
All in all, Griffen Palmer’s debut album is an open love letter to his listeners. Each track placement feels methodical, intentionally showing the ups and downs of finding love. If you are looking for a refreshing new artist with a beautiful voice, and lyrics that have substance, Griffen Palmer’s album ‘Unlearn’ will be the furthest thing from a disappointment. Don’t be afraid to fall in love, in general, and with this top to bottom flawless album.

Unlearn was released April 28, 2023 on Big Loud Records.
Listen to it here.