By Bob Makin
originally published: 04/19/2023
If Taylor Swift was haunted by the ghost of Warren Zevon while she made an album, it might sound like Juliana Frangella’s 10-song debut LP, “Intrusive Thoughts,” Like Swift, she surprisingly inspires empathy and relatability in the face of young female angst. Like Zevon, her witty wordplay and skewering sarcasm are hysterical.
When longtime music compadre Mike Montrey told me about this project, I couldn’t imagine why he would want to produce it other than to make one of his guitar students happy. And then when I heard a couple of lines in the title track, I thought, why is Mike makin me waste my time with this privileged little girl who can’t navigate high school in the luxury of a hot tub. How’s she going to cope in the real world? But what’s that they say about judging a book — or an album — by its cover?
The LP is masterfully produced by Mike, a celebrated singer-songwriter-guitarist who, along with his excellent self-named Americana band, has won a few Makin Waves Awards. I mean, think about. He took the angst of a privileged suburban white girl and turned it into a cohesive exercise in expression, the emotions of which are amplified by delicious layers of performances, especially the vocals and guitars.
But the best part is the way in which 18-year-old Juliana, who was just 16 when she started writing these songs, finds a way to make almost anyone relate to her and have empathy for her whether it be her knack for universal phrasing or a delightful sense of humor. Either way, the relatability factor of “Intrusive Thoughts” is through the roof.
Don’t make the mistake of writing this talented lass off like I first did. Fans of the two aforementioned artists, as well as Colbie Caillat, Nirvana, Joan Jett, and Elvis Costello will greatly enjoy this LP if they give it a chance.
The expressive fun kicks off with the Colbie-like jangle and countryesque pine of “Green Light in the Dark,” an expression of the chronic boredom and dichotomous torrent of feelings that inspired the album. “I’ve been thinking,” Juliana whimsically whines. “I know how dangerous that sounds.”
Right from the get go within the album’s opening verse, Juliana shares a self-deprecating humor that’s funny, charming and endearing throughout her “Intrusive Thoughts,” especially when she immediately asks to be “heard out” at the end of that first verse, thereby perhaps unknowingly drawing the listener in. She certainly deserves to be heard based on the the album’s quality of production, performances, and songwriting, which, on the opening track, includes deliciously impressive references to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Jazz Age classic, “The Great Gatsby.”
With the next track, “Apathy,” Juliana proves that she is one of the few songwriters who has covered apathy with empathy. As unlikely as that may seem, she pulls off the contradiction with witty wordplay and the conflicting, bittersweet emotions of lost love.
Turbulent teenage love continues on “Rings,” a really funny self-deprecating breakup tune about dealing with an ex while forced to take gym class and walk through the halls with him. Laugh-out-loud funny lines are balanced with a sense of endearment that makes the angst understandable and again, empathetic.
The bittersweet Nirvanaesque angst of “This Is Getting Old” and the sassy Joan Jett-like edge of the album’s first single and video, “Did I Write You?,” bring us midway through Juliana’s impressive debut. The sadness of “Everest” then is heightened by Mike’s haunting guitar, while the humor gets turned back on with the LP’s second single, “Put the Pen Down,” a funny rhyme with an Elvis Costello-like stutter.
Really great songwriting and production are showcased on “Parasite,” especially when layers of girl screams punctuate Juliana’s jarring admission of “silly songs.” On “Roadkill,” she presents one of her best lines — “a player wants to be played,” which sounds like it should be in a movie starring Matthew McConaughey.
The title track nicely closes the album with a clever summation of the angst and boredom that inspired it. The tune apparently was inspired by the pool party it depicts.
I hope that “Intrusive Thoughts” take Juliana very far, and she isn’t hindered by OCD. Based on what I’ve seen of her April 7 record release party at The Chubby Pickle, she rocks these songs, plus a couple of choice covers, live. See her June 17 at Manalapan Day at the township recreation center. For more, visit https://julianafrangella.com.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at makinwaves64@yahoo.
About the author:
New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.
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Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Guitar players of all levels are invited to "Unlock the Fretboard," a hands-on guitar workshop taking place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, with a short break included, at The Mahwah Museum. The workshop will be taught by Mark Sganga, an International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, bringing expert instruction and high-level musicianship to this special event. Designed to help players better understand the fretboard through a system of caged chords and scales, the workshop offers practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their playing.
The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th
(RINGOES, NJ) -- The Sourland Mountain Fest is back for its 21st year on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It promises a summer afternoon of soulful talent, tasty bites, refreshing drinks and meaningful dialogue on why the Sourland Region is so important to Central Jersey, and why it's more important than ever to protect it. Performers include Gravity Hill, The Swiss Guard, Hickory, Jake Thistle, and headliners The Harrisons and Company.
Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
Centenary Stage Company presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts presents the Music of 1776 & Hamilton: A Revolutionary Revue
(BURLINGTON, NJ) -- Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts presents The Music of 1776 & Hamilton: A Revolutionary Revue on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 7:00pm. They're keeping our country's 250th celebration going with inspiring songs from these two fantastic musicals sung by four incredible vocalists!
bergenPAC presents Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm. Playing is the joy and satisfaction of touring, but it comes with the hard part -- travel, the endless miles on a bus. There's no dodging the wear and tear, and Little Feat has been playing for quite a while.
Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents A Celebration of the Silver Screen on Saturday
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents A Celebration of the Silver Screen on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the Great Auditorium. Maestro Jason Tramm leads the 50-piece MidAtlantic Philharmonic Orchestra in an unforgettable evening of cinematic splendor. From sweeping Hollywood epics to iconic modern classics, this symphonic celebration brings the magic of film music to life with dazzling orchestral color.Showtime is 7:00pm.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on July 26th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:30pm. Gaines has been heralded for his soul-searching lyrics and his powerful live performances. With only his voice and a guitar for accompaniment, Gaines has earned a reputation as a captivating performer, entertaining his audiences worldwide.
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