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Surrender is the seventh studio album by American singer-songwriter Lena, released on April 25, 2036, through Deep End Records via Republic Records. The album features 15 tracks and was solely produced by Lena's husband, Chipp Chipperfield.

The album marks a significant departure from Lena's previous pop-oriented sound, instead embracing a more subdued and introspective style that draws from indie folk, piano ballads, alternative, and indie rock genres. The album features 15 tracks, all written by Chipp and Lena, and explores themes of love, loss, vulnerability, and perseverance.

The album's lead single, "Golden," was released on March 9, 2036, alongside a music video. The song is a mid-tempo alternative rock track that deals with the theme of love and the feeling of being golden when with the right person. The music video features Lena and Chipp in a sunflower field, reflecting the album's themes of growth and healing.

Surrender has received critical acclaim, with many critics praising Lena's vocal performances and the album's introspective and heartfelt songwriting. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, making it Lena's seventh consecutive chart-topping album. It has also been nominated for several awards, including the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album.

Background
The album features a departure from Lena's usual pop sound, incorporating elements of indie folk, alternative rock, and piano ballads. It was produced solely by Lena's husband, Chipp, and the couple co-wrote all the songs on the album.

In an interview with Billboard, Lena spoke about her desire to create a more subdued and intimate album that focused on the themes of love, vulnerability, and perseverance. She described the album as "a journey through the ups and downs of love," with each track representing a different facet of the emotion.

Lena and Chipp had originally written over 50 songs for the album, but eventually cut it down to 15 tracks. The album title, "Surrender," was chosen to represent the vulnerability that comes with opening oneself up to love, and the bravery it takes to do so.

Throughout the album's development, Lena and Chipp were committed to creating a cohesive and thematic body of work. They drew inspiration from their own experiences and emotions, as well as their favorite artists in the indie folk and alternative rock genres.

Writing and production
The album features 15 tracks, all written by Chipperfield and Sanders. Chipperfield has stated that they wrote over 50 songs for the album but narrowed it down to the final 15. The album's lead single, "Golden", was released on March 9, 2036, along with a music video.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Chipperfield described the writing and production process for the album as "a very personal and intimate experience". She noted that the album explores themes of love, vulnerability, loss, and perseverance, and that it was important for her and Sanders to capture the emotions behind the lyrics in the production of the album.

The album was produced entirely by Chipp Sanders, who Chipperfield credited with bringing a fresh perspective to her music. In an interview with Billboard, Sanders noted that he aimed to create a unique sound for each track on the album, using a mix of traditional and electronic instruments to achieve the desired effect.

Chipperfield also incorporated elements of autotune and vocoding into some of the tracks, such as "Glimmer", which features autotune throughout. She stated that this was a deliberate choice to enhance the emotions behind the lyrics.

The album was recorded over a period of several months in various studios across the United States. Chipperfield and Sanders worked closely together throughout the process, with Sanders handling the production and Chipperfield providing the vocals and lyrics.

Track 1: "Sapphire"
"Sapphire" is the opening track on Lena's album Surrender. It is a mid-tempo folk song that is dedicated to Lena's mother who had passed away. The title references her mother's favorite gemstone, sapphire, and her beautiful blue eyes.


 * Musically, the song is characterized by its simple yet emotional instrumentation. Lena's vocals are the focus of the track, accompanied by a gentle piano melody and soft strings in the background. The chorus features a haunting and powerful melody that showcases Lena's vocal range and emotion.
 * Lyrically, "Sapphire" is a tribute to Lena's mother and a reflection on their relationship. Lena sings about her mother's beauty, strength, and the impact she had on her life. The verses describe her mother's struggles with illness, while the chorus is a declaration of love and gratitude. Lena sings, "You are my sapphire, my guiding light, my star in the darkest of nights. I'll hold you close, I'll never let go, my heart will always know." The overall effect is one of love, loss, and remembrance.

Track 2: "Watercolors"
"Watercolors" is the second track on Lena's album Surrender. It is a dreamy, ethereal track that deals with the concept of memories and how they can become distorted over time. The title references the way watercolors blend together, representing the idea of how memories can become blurred and faded with the passing of time.


 * Musically, the song is characterized by its gentle, lilting melody and lush instrumentation. The verses are sung over a simple acoustic guitar riff, while the chorus features layered vocals and a soaring, cinematic quality. The overall effect is one of nostalgia and wistfulness.
 * Lyrically, "Watercolors" explores the theme of memory and how it can be unreliable. Lena sings about a particular memory that she holds dear, but acknowledges that it may not be entirely accurate. She references the way that memories can change over time, becoming distorted and incomplete. The chorus is a reflection on the importance of holding onto memories, even if they are not entirely accurate or complete, as they still hold value and meaning.

Track 3: "Surrender"
"Surrender" is the title track on Lena's album of the same name. It is a mid-tempo alternative rock song that explores the theme of surrendering to the unknown of love.


 * Musically, the song features a driving beat and a catchy guitar riff that carries throughout the track. The chorus is particularly powerful, with Lena's vocals soaring over the instrumentation as she sings the titular line, "surrender to the fire." The song also includes interesting elements of autotune and vocoding that add a unique texture to the track.
 * Lyrically, "Surrender" is about giving in to the uncertainties of love and allowing oneself to be vulnerable. Lena sings about the fear of falling too deeply, but ultimately coming to the realization that surrendering is the only way to truly experience the fullness of love. The song is a raw and honest exploration of the emotions that come with opening oneself up to another person.

Track 4: "Haunted"
"Haunted" is the fourth track on Lena's album Surrender. It is a haunting ballad that explores the emotional aftermath of a toxic relationship. The title "Haunted" reflects the idea of being haunted by memories of the past and the lingering effects of emotional trauma.


 * Musically, the song features delicate piano and guitar work that perfectly complements Lena's emotive vocals. The song builds in intensity as it progresses, with the chorus featuring soaring harmonies and an unforgettable melody.
 * Lyrically, "Haunted" delves into the pain of holding on to someone who has hurt you deeply. Lena sings about feeling trapped and suffocated by a past relationship, unable to escape the memories and emotions that still haunt her. She references the "ghosts" that still linger, haunting her dreams and preventing her from moving on. The chorus is a powerful statement of defiance, with Lena declaring that she will not let her past define her: "I won't be haunted by you anymore." The overall effect is one of emotional vulnerability and strength, as Lena confronts her pain head-on and refuses to let it control her.

Track 5: "Out of Reach"
"Out of Reach" is the fifth track on Lena's album "Surrender". It is a melancholic ballad that explores themes of longing and distance. The title reflects the feeling of being unable to connect with someone or something that is desired but remains just out of reach.


 * Musically, The song begins with a simple acoustic guitar riff that sets the somber tone. Lena's vocals are gentle and vulnerable, conveying a sense of yearning as she sings about being "lost in the space between." The instrumentation gradually builds, adding in a subtle drumbeat and atmospheric synths that add to the emotional weight of the song.
 * Lyrically, "Out of Reach" is a reflection on the complexities of relationships and the distance that can grow between people. Lena sings about feeling like she is "on the outside looking in," struggling to bridge the divide that has grown between herself and someone else. The chorus is a haunting refrain of "You're out of reach," conveying the feeling of being unable to connect with the person she longs for.

Track 6: "Golden"
"Golden" is the sixth track on Lena's album "Surrender". It is a mid-tempo alternative rock song that deals with the theme of love and the feeling of being golden when with the right person.


 * Musically, the song is characterized by its uplifting and anthemic sound. It features a driving drum beat and a prominent guitar riff that carries throughout the track. The chorus is particularly catchy, with Lena's vocals soaring over the instrumental and creating a sense of euphoria.
 * Lyrically, "Golden" is a love song that expresses the joy of being with the right person. Lena sings about feeling like she has finally found her place in the world and how being with her partner makes her feel golden. The song is full of imagery of light and warmth, with lyrics such as "You shine brighter than the sun" and "You warm me up like a summer day."

Track 7: "Forever"
"Forever" is the seventh track on Lena's album "Surrender." It is a beautiful piano ballad that explores the theme of love and the desire for it to last forever.


 * Musically, the song is characterized by its gentle piano melody and Lena's emotive vocals. The verses are sung softly over the piano, building to a powerful and emotional chorus that showcases Lena's vocal range. The instrumentation remains minimal throughout, with occasional strings and background vocals adding to the overall warmth of the song.
 * Lyrically, "Forever" is a love letter to Lena's partner, expressing her gratitude for their love and support. She sings about wanting to "spend every moment" with them and how their love makes her feel "whole again." The chorus is a repeated affirmation of the desire for their love to last forever, with Lena singing "I want you forever, forever and ever, never let go." The overall effect is one of deep, heartfelt emotion and a celebration of the power of love.

Track 8: "Signal Fire"
"Signal Fire" is the eighth track on Lena's album "Surrender". It is an alternative rock song that features powerful vocals and a driving beat. The title references the metaphor of a signal fire, used in old times to communicate with people from a distance.


 * Musically, the song is characterized by its dynamic instrumentation and catchy melody. The song begins with a guitar riff that sets the tone for the driving beat of the song. Lena's vocals are strong and powerful throughout, delivering the lyrics with a sense of urgency. The chorus is especially memorable, with its infectious melody and powerful delivery.
 * Lyrically, "Signal Fire" explores themes of love and how it feels like she lit a signal fire and that's how Chipp found her. Lena sings about how she was lost and searching for something, and how Chipp came into her life and changed everything. The lyrics paint a picture of a deep connection between two people, and the idea that love can light the way in even the darkest of times.

Track 9: "Warrior"
"Warrior" is the ninth track on Lena's album Surrender. It is a mid-tempo indie-folk song that details her personal struggles with fame. The title "Warrior" reflects Lena's perseverance and strength in the face of the challenges that come with success in the music industry.


 * Musically, the song is characterized by its fingerpicking acoustic guitar and layered harmonies. The verses feature a restrained instrumentation that builds towards a powerful chorus, creating a dynamic and emotive sound. The overall effect is one of introspection and vulnerability.
 * Lyrically, "Warrior" explores themes of inner strength and resilience. Lena sings about the challenges of fame and how it can feel like a constant battle, but also the importance of standing strong and true to oneself. The chorus is a powerful affirmation of her own resilience, with Lena declaring "I am a warrior, I won't let them bring me down." The song is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to overcome and emerge stronger.

Track 10: "Glimmer"
"Glimmer" is the tenth track on Lena's album "Surrender". It is a shimmery folk song that incorporates autotune throughout, adding an interesting element to the song.


 * Musically, the song is characterized by its delicate instrumentation, with soft acoustic guitar strums and a simple drum beat that gradually builds as the song progresses. Lena's vocals are airy and ethereal, with the autotune adding a dreamy, otherworldly quality to the track.
 * Lyrically, "Glimmer" details a time when Lena and Chipp almost broke up, but there was a glimmer of hope left for them. She sings about the moment when she realized she didn't want to lose him and the struggles they had overcome together. Lena reflects on how love can be a difficult journey, but that there is always hope for those who are willing to fight for it. The overall effect is one of hope and perseverance.

Track 11: "Melting"
"Melting" is an upbeat alternative rock track that incorporates elements of drum and bass music. It is the eleventh track on Lena's album "Surrender". The song describes the feelings of falling in love in a very raw way, portraying the overwhelming rush of emotions that comes with it.


 * Musically, "Melting" is characterized by its heavy use of electronic beats and distorted guitar riffs. The song has a frenetic energy, with the tempo increasing as the chorus approaches. Lena's vocals are urgent and impassioned, conveying the intensity of the emotions she is singing about.
 * Lyrically, "Melting" explores the theme of surrendering to love and the vulnerability that comes with it. Lena sings about feeling consumed by her desire for someone, likening it to the sensation of melting. She describes how this feeling takes over her entire being, making it difficult to focus on anything else. The chorus is a repeated refrain of "I'm melting, I'm melting," expressing the overwhelming nature of the emotions she is experiencing. The overall effect is one of surrender and release, as Lena embraces the intensity of her feelings and allows herself to be consumed by them.

Track 12: "In My Head"
"In My Head" is the twelfth track on Lena's album "Surrender". It begins as a fast-paced alternative rock song with driving guitar riffs and pounding drums. However, as the song progresses, it gradually slows down until it ends as a mellow piano ballad.


 * Musically, "In My Head" is characterized by its dynamic instrumentation and emotional vocals. The song opens with a driving drum beat and distorted guitar riffs, with Lena's vocals soaring over the top. As the song progresses, the instrumentation becomes more stripped back, with the focus shifting to Lena's vulnerable and introspective lyrics. The chorus features a haunting melody that emphasizes the song's emotional intensity.
 * Lyrically, "In My Head" explores the anxieties of falling in love and the fear of being vulnerable. Lena sings about feeling like she's "drowning in a sea of doubts and fears" and questioning whether her feelings are reciprocated. The chorus is a plea for reassurance, with Lena asking her lover to "tell me it's okay, that I'm not alone in this." The overall effect is one of vulnerability and raw emotion, as Lena bares her soul and confronts her deepest fears.

Track 13: "Sunflowers"
"Sunflowers" is the 13th track on Lena's album Surrender. It is a mellow, introspective folk song that deals with themes of growth and healing. The title references the bright, yellow flowers that follow the sun as they grow, reflecting the idea of finding one's way towards the light.


 * Musically, the song is characterized by its gentle acoustic guitar and Lena's emotive vocals. The verses are sung in a hushed tone, while the chorus features a soaring melody that expresses a sense of hope and optimism. The overall effect is one of warmth and comfort.
 * Lyrically, "Sunflowers" explores the journey towards healing after a period of darkness. Lena sings about the pain of the past, but also acknowledges the possibility of a brighter future. She references the "cracks in the pavement" and the "shadows on the wall," but ultimately concludes that "there's light in the distance." The chorus is a message of hope, with Lena singing about "growing towards the sun" and finding a sense of peace and purpose.

Track 14: "Dreamland"
"Dreamland" is the fourteenth track on Lena's album Surrender. It is a mid-tempo indie folk song that details the intimate moments between Lena and Chipp, and the sense of safety and comfort that comes with being with someone you love.


 * Musically, the song is characterized by its soft acoustic guitar strums and gentle piano chords. Lena's vocals are delicate and soothing, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. The chorus features a catchy melody that sticks in the listener's head, while the bridge features a haunting vocal harmony that adds an extra layer of emotional depth.
 * Lyrically, "Dreamland" explores the themes of intimacy and vulnerability. Lena sings about feeling safe and protected in Chipp's arms, describing their bedroom as their own private dreamland. She speaks of the comfort she finds in the routine of being with him, and the peace she feels in his presence. The overall effect is one of tenderness and love, with Lena capturing the feeling of being completely at ease with someone else.

Track 15: "Home / Ocean Blue"
"Home / Ocean Blue" is the closing track on Lena's album Surrender. The song begins as a mellow indie folk ballad that details how being in love can make you feel at home no matter what. The lyrics convey a sense of comfort and security that comes with being with someone you love. Halfway through the track, there is a sudden shift as the song transitions into "Ocean Blue," a soaring alternative rock track that is very drum-heavy. This part of the song describes a time when Lena and Chipp were sailing on the ocean.


 * Musically, the song is characterized by its gentle acoustic guitar and piano in the first part, while the second part features a powerful drum beat and electric guitar riffs. The transition between the two parts is sudden and unexpected, giving the song a sense of unpredictability and excitement.
 * Lyrically, "Home / Ocean Blue" explores the theme of finding a sense of belonging and comfort in a world that can often be chaotic and unpredictable. The first part of the song describes the feeling of being at home with someone you love, while the second part conveys a sense of adventure and freedom that comes with exploring the world with that person. The lyrics are poetic and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the emotions that come with being in love.
 * Together, "Home / Ocean Blue" creates a sense of closure for the album, with the first part representing the comfort and security of being in love, and the second part evoking the sense of adventure and possibility that comes with embarking on a new journey.

Art direction
The album cover, which features Lena holding a white flag while looking directly into the camera, was designed by the Los Angeles-based creative agency, Fenty Creative. The art direction and album cover were inspired by the album's overarching theme of surrendering to the unknown, as well as Lena's desire to showcase vulnerability and authenticity in her music.

The album cover's minimalist design features Lena dressed in a white turtleneck and jeans, holding a white flag, symbolizing surrender. The background is a soft, light gray, which contrasts with Lena's outfit, and brings the focus solely onto Lena's facial expression and posture. The typography for the album title is a bold, sans-serif font, placed on the top half of the image, in a crisp white color, which contrasts with the gray background. The title itself is meant to evoke the feelings of letting go, and allowing oneself to be vulnerable, themes that are prominent throughout the album.

The art direction for "Surrender" was created by Lena Chipperfield and her husband, Chipp Sanders, who also served as the album's sole producer. The couple collaborated closely with Fenty Creative to create a visual identity that aligned with the album's musical themes. The use of minimalist design elements and a soft color palette is reflective of Lena's desire to create a more subdued album, highlighting the raw emotions that come with surrendering to love.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Lena spoke about the inspiration behind the album cover, stating, "I wanted to convey the idea of surrendering to the unknown, and what better way to do that than to hold up a white flag? It's a symbol of vulnerability and letting go, something that's not always easy to do. The gray background and minimalist design allow the focus to be solely on me, conveying the sense of openness and vulnerability that is present throughout the album."

The album also has six exclusive alternate covers featuring Lena in different colored dresses and waving a white flag, symbolizing her surrender to the unknowns of love. Each cover has a unique background that reflects the album's themes, such as warmth, passion, happiness, and calmness. Lena worked closely with her creative team to bring her vision to life, and the covers were shot by acclaimed photographer James Lee. The exclusive covers were made available to fans as a limited edition physical release and quickly became a collector's item among her devoted fanbase.

Release and promotion
In the months leading up to the album's release, Lena embarked on an extensive promotional campaign to generate buzz and anticipation. The lead single, "Golden," was released on March 9, 2036, along with a music video, which featured Lena and Chipp in a sunflower field, reflecting the album's themes of growth and healing.

To further promote the album, Lena appeared on several high-profile talk shows, such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Ellen Show, where she performed live versions of some of the album's tracks. She also gave interviews to various publications, where she discussed the inspiration behind the album and the creative process involved in its creation.

Lena also performed several intimate acoustic shows, giving fans a chance to hear some of the new tracks before the album's official release. Additionally, she released several behind-the-scenes videos that offered glimpses into the making of the album, from the recording process to the creation of the music videos.

In the days leading up to the album's release, Lena continued to generate excitement among her fans by teasing snippets of the tracks on social media, as well as releasing exclusive alternate covers featuring her in different colored dresses and waving a white flag, symbolizing her surrender to the unknowns of love.

Critical response
At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 94, based on 25 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim".

Writing for Rolling Stone, critic Sarah Grant described the album as "a masterpiece of introspection and vulnerability, showcasing Lena's growth as an artist and her ability to convey complex emotions through her lyrics and vocals." In a review for Pitchfork, critic Carrie Battan wrote, "With Surrender, Lena proves herself to be one of the most talented and innovative artists working today, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in indie folk and alternative rock."

The Guardian's critic Michael Cragg praised the album for its "mix of introspective ballads and mid-tempo rock tracks, which showcase Lena's powerful and emotive vocals," while NME's Hannah Mylrea called it "an album of stark beauty and introspection, with Lena's vocals taking center stage against a backdrop of haunting piano melodies and shimmering guitars."

The Independent's critic Roisin O'Connor praised the album's production, writing, "Chipp Sanders' production skills are on full display here, creating a soundscape that is both intimate and grandiose, perfectly capturing the complex emotions that Lena explores throughout the album."

Overall, "Surrender" solidified Lena's position as a respected and innovative artist in the music industry, garnering praise for its emotional depth, vulnerability, and genre experimentation.