Melanie Herrera: I Think I Lied

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by Alex Short

With the release of her newest single, "I Think I Lied," Melanie Herrera offers a glimpse into her debut album, A Fearful & Wondrous Thing, out on May 28. Herrera may have already gained attention with her viral "Nepo Baby Vocal Warm-ups," but the New York City-based singer-songwriter's music feels much more personal than an internet-driven trend. "I Think I Lied" gives a playful, dramatic twist on emotional contradiction and romantic uncertainty.

The track balances flirtatiousness with emotional tension, as Herrera sings about realizing she may not have meant her goodbye. A restless energy runs through the song, building toward its swelling bridge, where emotions finally spill over. While the production stays polished and pop-forward, it never distracts from Herrera’s storytelling, which remains the strongest part of the track.

Herrera describes her sound as “storybook-pop,” and that description makes sense. Her music feels cinematic without being theatrical, and her songs have a detailed and emotionally vivid feel to them, which pulls listeners into specific moments rather than relying on vague pop clichés. Even on a playful track like “I Think I Lied,” there’s still a sense of vulnerability beneath the surface.

photo by Armaan Virani

The emotional honesty we see in the song seems to contribute to larger themes of A Fearful & Wondrous Thing. Herrera has described the album as both a personal and artistic arrival after years of anxiety and self-doubt, and by the looks of the track list, it hints at being filled with reflection, growth, and emotional complexity. Songs like "Imposter," "Strangers Again," and "Shouldn't the Flowers Stop Growing?" could suggest an album that will make you sit with uncomfortable feelings rather than avoid them.

Raised by a psychotherapist mother and a Latin jazz musician father, she grew up surrounded by emotional openness and music from an early age which has helped add depth to her artistry. That influence is felt throughout her songwriting, which blends introspection with strong melodic instincts.

If “I Think I Lied” is any indication, A Fearful & Wondrous Thing could end up being an impressive debut from an artist still very much introducing herself. Rather than chasing trends, Herrera seems more interested in creating music that feels honest, dramatic, and fully lived-in — and that approach suits her well.