Do you ever listen to a song so much that you begin to love it, even if you originally didn’t?
That’s me with “Bowling alley” by Audrey Hobert.
Upon my first listen, I just couldn’t get into it. I stayed up for the midnight drop, buzzing in anticipation as my newest summer anthem was only seconds from its release. My assumption was that we’d be getting a party pop banger akin to her debut single, “Sue me.” “Bowling alley’ is decidedly not that.
But then, something funny happened. I went to bed, woke up, and played the song again on my way to work. “Maybe you were just tired and couldn’t give it a fair shake,” I said to myself, my inner monologue racing as I hit play on Hobert’s new single for the second time.
And I was right.
Suddenly, it clicked—I was hooked. I started humming the melody without even thinking. At work, the lyrics danced through my head while I tackled my to-do list. By break time? I had my headphones in, jamming to it all over again.
In just a few extra plays, I went from “not a fan” to “can’t get enough.”
Certainly, the social media storm helps; hundreds of creators on my For You
Page are showing videos of the song with their favorite early 2000s childhood memories in the background; it’s a nostalgic banger that brings back the carefree vibes of an earlier time, all the while detailing the all-too-familiar feeling of FOMO (or, fear of missing out) in life.
Hobert possesses the rare ability to make you sing along when you should be sobbing, bringing up communal fears over a catchy tune – and, somehow, making you feel like you’re not alone in all of this.
My advice? Skip the FOMO and listen to Audrey’s new single now. And, if you’re not a fan, just wait a minute – it might surprise you.
Nicole Speros holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications & Media Studies and is currently diving deeper into the industry at Berklee College of Music, where she’s studying Music Business. A passionate storyteller with an eye for what’s next, Nicole brings a sharp, curious voice to her work as a music journalist. She covers emerging artists, shifting trends, and the ever-evolving intersection of music and media—with a focus on authenticity, accessibility, and the songs that connect us all.
She’s an active member of GRAMMY U/The Recording Academy and Women in Music, always looking for ways to support and amplify voices in the industry. When she’s not in class or writing, you’ll probably find her stage-side at a local Boston show or hopping on a plane for her next adventure.