K–12
2019
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Recording Info
Martinez began writing the album in 2015 and finished in 2017. Michael Keenan produced the album, with one song co-produced by Kinetics & One Love. The album was recorded between 2015 and 2017.
Track Highlights
- Wheels on the Bus — The opening track, sets the tone for the album with a nursery rhyme sample and electronic production.
- Class Fight — Depicts a playground fight over a boy, with aggressive lyrics and a groovy instrumental.
- The Principal — Addresses themes of power and authority, with some interpreting it as a commentary on government.
- Show & Tell — Explores Martinez's personal experiences with fame and the pressures of being in the public eye.
- Nurse's Office — Martinez's favorite song on the album.
- Strawberry Shortcake — Discusses the oversexualization of women and societal expectations.
- Orange Juice — Promotes body positivity and addresses the topic of bulimia.
- Detention — Explores themes of depression.
- High School Sweethearts — Lists the rules for someone looking to be her one and only true love.
- Recess — Possesses a lullaby quality and is featured during the prom scene in the film.
Personnel
- Melanie Martinez (Singer, Songwriter, Director, Main character (Cry Baby))
- Michael Keenan (Producer)
- Kinetics & One Love (Producer (on one song))
- Emily Warren (Songwriter)
Significance
K-12 debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 with 57,000 album-equivalent units. The album reached the top 10 in several countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It has been certified platinum by the RIAA. Critics noted the album's cohesive storytelling and production, as well as Martinez's growth as a songwriter. Some reviews highlighted the album's niche style and repetitive motifs. The album and film have been praised for their creativity and exploration of complex themes. Martinez's decision to release the album and film simultaneously was seen as a bold move, breaking away from the traditional music industry formula. The film's premiere on YouTube amassed millions of views, demonstrating the project's multimedia appeal.
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