There are places that imprint themselves on your life because you once lived through special moments there. For me, Navy Pier became such a place. I stood at its edge in my favorite loafers, gazing at the water, feeling inspired. That’s why, when I heard the song “Navy Pier” by Olivia Helen, named after this place, I was immediately transported back there. The breeze from the lake, the scent of sweet caramel wafting from the popcorn stands, the string lights that flicker closer to the evening as the sun sets behind the horizon-all of it came alive in her melody.

And Olivia is the kind of girl you see on the pier on a Saturday evening. A singer-songwriter, a student at Berklee College of Music. She walks barefoot, shoes in one hand, a glass of sparkling wine in the other, laughing as if she’s never known what a broken heart feels like, though in truth, she knows it better than anyone. In “Navy Pier,” a light folk arrangement and Olivia’s impeccable pop vocals create a sense of endless infatuation, while the swinging rhythm of guitars and drums sustains the lasting impression of an unforgettable evening.

Her voice is like a glass of white wine: light, but with a sharp aftertaste. The excellent production captivates and allows listeners to enjoy the vibrant and groovy sound of “Navy Pier.” A gentle pop folk track with a palpable atmosphere of hope. In the single “Navy Pier”, the singer offers a cocktail of romance and realism that only those who’ve both cried and laughed on the same bridge in their life can truly understand. “Navy Pier” is a song about the search for oneself, a search that might lead you to bustling piers, quiet cafes, or your own memories.

Photo by Hannah Henderson

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