Kelley Cole’s “Twenty-Something Teenager” Is a Nostalgic Punch to the Gut
Getting older is such a weird concept. One day, you’re just sitting on the couch watching cartoons, eating your favorite sugary cereal while your mom packs your school lunch and your dad rushes out the door for work. Then, in just the blink of an eye, you’re rushing out of your single apartment with only coffee in your stomach, making sure you don’t hit early morning traffic.
Kelley Cole, a bold, truth-driven artist who blends raw emotion with a songwriter’s flair, captures this feeling in her latest single, “Twenty-Something Teenager.” The lead single from her debut project is a shot of nostalgia straight to the veins, evoking the raw emotion and genre-blending energy of both today (Olivia Rodrigo, with hints of Maggie Rogers) and yesterday (Avril Lavigne). With the hazy shimmer of retro synths, the rebellious spark of Y2K punk, and the sharp immediacy of her pop instincts, Cole delivers an electrifying sound that feels like a time capsule cracked open.
But Cole’s ability to translate these emotions into music stems from a journey that started long before this release. Raised in the quiet suburbs outside of Chicago, she first found solace in music, experimenting with programming beats and strumming guitars in her mother’s basement, using songwriting as her own form of DIY therapy. At 18, she left home to study audio engineering, sharpening her skills as both a songwriter and producer, marking the start of a new creative chapter.
Now based in Nashville, Cole has fully embraced her independence, writing and producing her own music while collaborating with other emerging artists. She’s built a presence in the city’s legendary music scene, from engineering at the iconic Bluebird Café to booking some of its most well-known venues. Nashville has shaped her artistry, fueling her drive and ingenuity as a creator.
"When did playing in the park turn into drinking at the bar?" Cole questions, her voice raw yet charged with quiet defiance. Throughout the song, she looks around and wonders: when did the magical moments of childhood, like playing with dolls, having sleepovers, and watching your favorite movies, turn into something significantly less fun—and more lonely?
One of the most hard-hitting themes Cole explores in the track is the loss of her "little girl strong." She grapples with the fading confidence she once had, asking, "When did looking in the mirror turn into my biggest fear?" and pleading for a way out of her own head to "feel like a princess again." Despite its strong energy, the song is heartbreaking, especially when you can relate.
Cole’s vocal delivery makes every word land with weight: raw yet polished, emotional yet confident. She doesn’t just reminisce about childhood; she sings as if she’s still reaching for it, refusing to let go of the wonder completely. That defiant, aching quality is what makes “Twenty-Something Teenager” stand out from other coming-of-age anthems. It doesn’t just dwell in nostalgia; it fights to keep it alive.
As someone who loved my childhood, I find myself grappling with the loss of its joy and wonder while navigating adulthood, especially post-college. This song hits incredibly hard. But it also brings me a sense of relief to know that I am not alone in this feeling. “Twenty-Something Teenager” is a song for anyone who still feels like a kid inside, even when the world expects them to be grown. With her bold presence and sharp songwriting, Kelley Cole proves she’s an artist to watch—one who understands the emotions so many of us struggle to put into words.