Girl Next Door - CTRL

The London-based singer/songwriter Sarah Carton adopted the name Girl Next Door to reject a female archetype: pretty, lovely, always available, but not too complex and exciting. Her new song “CTRL” describes a situation a girl next door could find herself in: a relationship where he takes as he pleases and gives her only enough to keep her. The bouncy electro-pop production keeps it lighthearted, though: the song is about a bad boyfriend, not abuse.

Sarah explains:

“I wanted to write a track that encapsulated the high-drama of having a strong connection with someone that isn’t right for you. It’s those few weeks or months when you’re being dragged through equal parts excitement and flirtation vs disappointment and frustration.”

She adds:

“This song was very cathartic for me to write, letting go of the anxious energy that comes with an almost-relationship. I hope other people can find it cathartic and empowering too.”

Listen to “CTRL,” our Song Pick of the Day, on your favorite streaming service or below on YouTube: