Breakout star Maddie Zahm has officially dropped her newest EP You Might Not Like Her, and if you listen to only one album this year, make it this one. 

The five songs that create this EP all pull upon different situations of queer love, religious trauma, and body-shaming that Zahm and far too many others, myself included, have endured in life. The EP is reverent of Zahm’s past while also aware of the way her youth was damaged and hurt, curating five worship sounds for not a church but herself and her growth.

“Pocket Bible” opens the EP with a brief 1:33 discussing Maddie’s awareness of the judgements she used to carry from the church. The chorus asks a variety of questions that continue thematically throughout the full length of the EP, such as why others want her when she lost weight or what will happen when she finally kisses a girl. Begging for answers within the text of the bible yet unable to find the truth within her travel-sized manuscript, “Pocket Bible” is fraught with Maddie’s confusion in the midst of the rapid life-changes endured as she created You Might Not Like Her.

“Fat Funny Friend” found virality on TikTok prior to its release as a single, with over 25 thousand videos to date on the platform of users sharing their connection to the lyrics and personal experiences with body shaming issues. I can genuinely say that no song has ever connected as deeply with my soul as “Fat Funny Friend”, as every aspect from Maddie’s vulnerable lyricism to her empathetic song arrangement create a powerful homage to the way one’s perception of self and received treatment due to their weight can impact their life. 

The midpoint of You Might Not Like Her and my personal favorite track, “If It’s Not God” changes the tone of the EP from painful questioning towards a brighter wave of self-acceptance. “If It’s Not God” dives into Zahm’s separation from the beliefs of her church, allowing herself to start the process of flourishing as a queer person. There is truly no way to describe the beauty and power behind Maddie’s vocals in “If It’s Not God” other than transcendent. 

“Inevitable” follows with a song about Maddie’s experiences in newfound queerness, exploring potential love with a new partner that isn’t certain about the relationship growing. “Inevitable” plays with some interesting growth in its progression sonically, particularly within the explosive and sudden way the track’s chorus floors in to represent Zahm’s own emotions.

Closing out the EP, title track “You Might Not Like Her” gets as close to a resolution as possible for the growth Zahm will eternally go through. Speaking directly to her younger self, “You Might Not Like Her” discusses all of the ways her life will change from the way a younger version of herself would expect. Zahm’s honesty and vulnerability in baring her deepest secrets reaches a peak within this EP finale, releasing the judgment her past self would hold with deep conviction.

This may sound like a cop out, but I genuinely cannot find a flaw within the riffs and revelations of You Might Not Like Her. This EP is simultaneously painful yet healing, devastating yet euphoric, quiet yet explosive. Above all, You Might Not Like Her is a powerfully transcendent look into Zahm’s journey of battling against the hatefulness she has received on all sides, and if the virality of her songs have anything to say about it, she’s not alone in this battle. 

You can stream the entire You Might Not Like Her EP on Spotify, as well as watch each song’s stunning music video on YouTube. Make sure to follow Maddie Zahm on Instagram, TikTok, and TikTok to keep up with every moment of Maddie’s beautiful career to come.