Ethel Cain’s Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You, marks her sophomore album, serving as the follow-up to her 2022 “Preacher’s Daughter” album.

Known for her ambient, Southern Gothic musical style, Ethel Cain explores themes of love, tragic loss, reflection, and internal chaos throughout her latest release.

Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You, gives the listeners a Southern Gothic and atmospheric vibe that makes the album feel as if you are on a late-night drive through a small country town, surrounded by nothing but unhealthy grass and scattered trees.

The album comprises ten songs, three of which are instrumental pieces. My current favorites are: Janie, F**k Me Eyes, and Dust Bowl.

“Janie” is about Ethel Cain’s only best friend (whose name is Janie), who ends up getting a boyfriend and eventually leaving her. The song dives deep into the feeling of jealousy and isolation, specifically getting replaced by someone you have trusted during your adolescence.

“F**k Me Eyes” is about a teenage girl named Holly who isn’t worried about the past or the future; she’s only living in the now. The song touches on subjects such as teen rebellion, sexuality, religious trauma, and jealousy.

“Dust Bowl” is about the loss of her first love, Willoughby Tucker, whom she dated until they were 19. The song touches on topics such as unexpected death, love, and jealousy.

Interestingly, the last two songs of the album, “Tempest” and “Waco, Texas” are much lengthier than the beginning eight tracks of Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You. Both ending songs captivate Ethel’s realization of her and Willoughby’s relationship unfortunately ending after reality set in.

The last verses of “Waco, Texas” pulls the album all together:

“Still I waited and tried, til it killed me / Cause you’re right / I can wait if I want / But it’ll never be good enough like I / Want to believe it is”