Lily Vakili’s Oceans of Kansas is an album full of honesty, emotion, and soul. Each song feels personal but also easy to connect with. Her voice carries wisdom and heart, while the music moves between rock, blues, and folk with natural flow. The album opens with “Okoboji,” a bright and refreshing start. The guitars shimmer with light, and Vakili’s vocals sound free and alive. It feels like a song about finding peace in simple things and letting go of what weighs you down.
“Hold On They Say” follows with a gentler tone. It’s hopeful but grounded. The lyrics speak about staying strong when life gets hard, and the melody gives comfort. The blend of piano and soft percussion makes it warm and steady. “I’ve Been Hiding” feels very personal. It’s about facing the parts of yourself you’ve kept buried. The song moves slowly, with space for the emotion to come through. Vakili’s delivery is honest — you can feel her every word. “Photograph” is nostalgic and beautifully sad. It captures how old memories can hold both love and pain. The simple guitar and restrained vocals make it haunting in the best way. “Maybe It’s All Over” brings a darker, more introspective sound. The electric guitar gives it grit, and Vakili’s voice has an edge here. It feels like she’s wrestling with loss or endings but still refusing to give up.
“One Human Being” shifts the mood completely. It’s soulful and uplifting, with a strong message about compassion and unity. The flute adds a light, jazzy touch that makes it stand out from the rest. “April Fools” is soft and romantic. It has that nostalgic glow of looking back at someone who made you happy. The melody is tender, and the lyrics feel like they come straight from the heart. “Rocket” kicks the energy back up. It’s bold and electric, with fiery guitar work and confident vocals. The song is about courage — taking off toward something new without fear. The album closes with “Tannersville,” which feels like a perfect ending. The guitar solo by Eric Burns is powerful, and Vakili’s voice carries a mix of strength and reflection. It’s a song about moving forward and accepting change.
English