“When She Smiles”: gigi’s Newest Emotional Kaleidoscope

Few people have had as groundbreaking of a year as singer-songwriter gigi following her sudden breakout stardom when single “Sometimes (Backwood)” first exploded online in 2021. Racking up almost 60 million streams to date, “Sometimes (Backwood)” welcomed the world to gigi’s deep and devoted alto vocal range, prying emotions straight out of your throat with passionate lyricism in simple acoustic styling. The single almost instantaneously became one of my personal favorite songs, yet for months was the only released track from gigi. Now signed to Interscope Records, gigi has ended her release drought with a variety of teased music on her social media and two newly released singles, including the brand new release of “When She Smiles”. 

When she smiles

All the animals they dance

when she laughs

The best friend will get the chance

To do that thing

She was waiting for him to

For quite some time

A sweaty hand, an empty noose

When She Smiles

Sitting starry-eyed and unable to let go of a clearly toxic relationship, “When She Smiles” encompasses a new sonic blend for the artist with a haunting accompanying music video. “When She Smiles” diverges from gigi’s previous works of acoustic ballads, instead opting for heavy vocal stacks that swirl through your ears in a variety of harmonies. The production is further assisted by gigi’s deep and visceral lyrical  imagery as she works through the various reactions her partner has in response to a wide range of emotions and situations. While gigi is clearly cognizant of the pitfalls of her infatuation, she still holds onto the rose colored glasses worn during the good moments of her doomed relationship.

'Cause when she smiles

All they children they will play

But when she cries

I don't know what I should say

'Cause when she lies

That's when I get kissed the most

And when she hides

I don't ask where she goes

When She Smiles

The music video for “When She Smiles” amplifies the impending doom found in gigi’s lyricism through washed out colors, old film filters, and kaleidoscopic visuals. Gigi is prominently featured throughout, including layered imagery of her singing while being pulled by various hands, both human and not. The artistry of the video is reminiscent of old Hollywood horror as images move quickly throughout mirrored frames and engulf one another. While “When She Smiles” is already a home run for gigi’s emerging career, the music video sends the track into new stratospheres of art and emotion.

'Cause when she comes

She always brings a souvenir

'Cause when she loves

She only shows it through dead deer

When She Smiles

With only three songs out thus far, gigi has certainly captured attention with her stunning voice and passionate lyricism, so make sure to hop onto the gigi train if you’ve not yet bought your ticket. I can promise with absolute certainty that you don’t want to miss out on the shining star that is gigi. 

You can stream “When She Smiles” now on Spotify and watch the haunting music video on YouTube. Make sure to catch gigi on tour this fall as she opens for Noah Cyrus, as well as follow gigi on Instagram and TikTok so you don’t miss a moment of her career on the rise!