Music

Heartbreak Hits Hard in Caroline Romano’s New Single, ‘Pretty Boys’

30 October

Listening to “Pretty Boys” by Caroline Romano feels like a ray of sunlight on a cloudy day—high-energy, infectious, and undeniably fun. As the upbeat melody kicks in, it’s impossible not to get swept away by its rhythm, even if the lyrics get into the messy emotions of heartbreak. Following her recent hits like “Body Bag,” “Doesn’t Matter,” and “Used By You,” Romano is once again proving her prowess as a star in the making.

“Pretty Boys” is born from the raw emotions of heartbreak, capturing the duality of love and loss. The song begins with a stripped-back guitar that sets an intimate atmosphere, allowing Caroline’s vocals to take center stage. As the song unfolds, it erupts into a powerful anthem, mirroring the intense whirlpool of emotions that come with heartache. The transition of the track from a tender ballad into an exciting singalong makes it an engaging listen from start to finish.

“Pretty Boys is my honest recount of heartbreak,” Caroline shares, candidly reflecting on her creative process. “It’s like reading straight from my diary—a dramatic story with a terribly disappointing ending.” This relatability is woven throughout the song, serving as a cautionary tale about the blurry lines between friendship and something more. “Just because you’ve kissed him doesn’t mean you should do it again, and just because he looks at you that way doesn’t mean you’re the only one,” she explains. “Pretty Boys feels like a high school crush at 22, with all the highs, lows, and semi-committal main characters. It’s a very specific experience, but one that’s universally relatable.”

At just 23 years old, Caroline Romano has already made a name for herself as a versatile artist, effortlessly transitioning between misty-eyed ballads and fiery alt-rock anthems. Since the release of her 2022 debut album, Oddities and Prodigies, and her subsequent 2023 EP, A Brief Epic, she has continued to peel back the layers of her sound with each new release.

Caroline’s music is an expression of what it means to be a young woman in today’s world. Her songs are raw, untempered, and filled with the anguish, hedonism, and introspection that often accompany the journey of youth. With lyrics that pack a punch, like “You had the nerve to act surprised/ to make me laugh and bat your eyes/Forgive the middle finger that I sent you in the bathroom line,” she documents the messy reality of heartbreak and the confusing signals that come with it.

Over the past few years, Caroline has also made a name for herself with her high-energy live performances. Her climb up the live circuit has seen her grace the stages of iconic Nashville venues like The Basement East and The End. Recently, she completed her first US tour supporting bands like Grayscale and Smallpools, where her vocals left a lasting impression on audiences.

In the midst of all this growth, Caroline remains focused on her craft. “I’m always trying to create music that resonates with people,” she says. “Every song is a chapter in my story, and I want my listeners to feel every word.”