“Good, but not together” – Valley’s Breakup Anthem Antonym.
Written by Shauna Hilferty
Breakups are hard. When it comes down to the end, it is easy to be so upset that it morphs into something uglier and most times even angrier. Our favorite breakup anthems were written this way, in passionate angst with the satisfaction that something that once was has now ended in flames and there was nothing you could do about it but be mad.
Valley’s latest single “Good, but not together” is the antonym of the classic breakup anthem. It’s looking back on a relationship that ended maybe mutually and for one reason or another both people were good people, just not good for each other.
A seemingly existential first verse asks rhetorical questions that lead the listener to the single’s theme of the bittersweet reality of the one that got away. The song looks back on a relationship that faded amicably and without bad blood – and that is the most painful part. This is emphasized again in the bridge, with lyrics “I’m a good kid from a good town / You’re a good girl, too many things to count.” It is oddly fitting that “Good, but not together” is paired with “Throwback Tears,” and how both releases juxtaposed one another both lyrically and very sonically in a way only Valley could get away with. “Good, but not together” keeps the band’s signature drifty feeling, incorporating synths from the beginning of the song to the electronic drums and Kara’s voice backing Rob’s that encompass the ethereal feeling fans expect from the four-piece band.
Valley’s album is slated to release this June, featuring both this single and “Throwback Tears.” Be sure to listen to this Best of Valley playlist here on Spotify in the meantime!