Single Review: Crazy GF

Auckland performer Marianne Leigh’s new track Crazy GF sees her compact the very real human emotions of jealousy and distrust into a compelling, satirical take on female stereotypes. It’s catchy, concise, and as the title promises, extremely crazy.

Marianne’s impressive songwriting defines Crazy GF. Her lyrics are tight, punchy and expressive, built around irresistible hooks that catch “in the back of my brain”, just like the woman who threatens the titular crazy girlfriend’s relationship. Dripping with irony as well as sincerity, Crazy GF is lyrically and thematically reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s Blank Space, but takes a much grittier, rocky sonic approach in the vein of Olivia Rodrigo’s good 4 u (to which the song’s stylised title may pay tribute to).

Producers Emily Wheatcroft-Snape and Nate Selway provide a positively explosive instrumental. Electric guitars fill the track, opening with fizzling plucking, building to fuzzy strums, and whining to a crescendo at the song’s close. Drum fills between the song’s various sections create tension and drive the song’s punk energy. But rightfully, this instrumentation always makes room for Marianne’s performance as its guiding light.

Marianne’s breathy vocals are heavily layered, creating a full, powerful pop sound. She plays the “crazy girlfriend” character passionately, moving from eerie whispers to vengeful howls through bold, winding melodies. This is most impressive during the bridge, which sees her scream to break the song’s upbeat kinetic energy down into a gentle murmur, laden with drama and intensity. However, this dynamic contrast does make it apparent that the busy production can occasionally obscure the words in the choruses.

Crazy GF is an exciting step forward in Marianne Leigh’s discography. Her relatability, unique voice, and undeniable knack for writing catchy hooks makes her an absolute shining star on Aotearoa’s pop scene.