Sydney Rose is no stranger to telling emotionally charged stories through her music. Her latest single, "Before & After You," released on July 2, 2025, takes her storytelling to a whole new level. After the thoughtful melodies of her previous E.P., she returns with a powerful song that feels reflective.
Co-written and produced by Matt Martin, "Before & After You" possesses a quality that evokes a grand scale while still exploring personal themes. Inspired by the emotional impact of the second season of The Last of Us, particularly the second episode, Rose explores deep feelings of grief and heartbreak, touching on the painful gap between what was once cherished and what can never be again. This song isn't just about losing love, it depicts a loss of identity, safety, and even a sense of self, all delivered through her beautifully crafted lyrics. However, it's not your typical upbeat summer anthem. Instead of the usual joyful sounds, "Before & After You" lingers like a memory that stays with you. The production, led by Max Martin, carefully builds the emotional backdrop, featuring soft lap steel guitar, gentle bass, and drums that mimic quiet heartbeats, as well as Lydia Maes' heartbreaking violin, which pulls at your heartstrings.
The music feels like a score for a film, rich and melancholy, designed to elevate Rose's voice, which remains the focal point. Her singing is soft, conveying the weight of someone grappling with significant emotional challenges. Yet, amidst the sadness, there's a sense of grace and an understanding that grief comes and goes in its own time.