Maria Zardoya of The Marias released her first solo project, Melt, under the name Not For Radio on Oct 10. The piece of work takes us through an introspective and ethereal journey of love, betrayal, heartbreak and acceptance. Zardoya was clearly influenced by her latin roots with so many of the songs being reminiscent of latin love ballads from the 1960s and 1970s. 

“I went into Not for Radio with the intention of not writing any pop songs.” Zardoya told Billboard Hot 100 on Oct 6. 

The first track, “Puddles” sets a dreamy tone for the rest of the album. It’s soft, melodic and ethereal. Zardoya sings about yearning for someone but being afraid of what happens after you have them. 

“Im seeing double, I’m already scared // Scared of what losing feels like after we dare.” 

The song is about the risk we take when we open ourselves to love. The fear that comes with the possibility of heartbreak, but giving in anyway. 

“My Turn” is the second song on the album, it’s a melancholic tune about having done a friend wrong, and dealing with the consequences. The song is about a lesson learned in a complicated friendship with “Daisy.”

Oftentimes, female friendships get complicated and the heartbreak and grief that comes from losing those connections hurts in a very different way that it does in romantic relationships. 

“I died when I lost you,” the song goes. This was one of my favorite songs in the album because it had me reflecting on my former friendships and the feelings that I have not yet dealt with. 

“Moment” takes the listener on a walk through nature, one of the main themes. 

“Heaven is a place beside you// while we’re walking by the shore// Spider crawling through the meadow// I’ll invite him to your door.” 

Zardoya is singing about the bittersweetness of those small moments that may never happen again. The point of no return that leaves us wanting more. 

“In this moment, I break, in this moment I want more// But this moment will change, and I’ll never be all yours.” 

There’s a frustration in never fully possessing someone, or never being able to be fully possessed. The song teaches us that we only belong to each other momentarily. 

In “Back To You” Zardoya sings about letting go of someone, but asking the universe to bring them back into one’s life because the time is right. Zardoya is bargaining.

“Put your hand inside my pocket// If it’s not you I don’t want it.” 

She is reminiscing on the small intimate moments that become ingrained in our minds after time spent with someone. 

“Park your car// I’ll kiss your neck and trace it with my fingertips.” 

“Swan” is about wanting to give yourself to someone for the rest of your life like swans that mate for life. 

The seventh track, “Vueltas,” is the only Spanish track in the album. Zardoya honors her latin culture with this ballad. The song’s latin influences come from the acoustic guitar. 

This track made me think of the Spanish ballads my mom would listen to by the likes of Jeanette and Amanda Miguel. “Si te vas, si te vas, ¿que pasara?” “Vueltas” is about having someone or something on your mind, and wanting it to pass. 

The final track on the album is called, “Slip.” It’s a slow and sad song like most of the album. Zardoya repeats the lyric, “Don’t go.” She wants to hold on, even though it’s cold and scary to do so. 

“‘Melt’” is very similar to The Marias’ usual style but it’s darker, and more introspective. In an interview with Interview Magazine, Zardoya admits that many of the songs were inspired by her former romantic relationship with the drummer of The Marias, Josh Conway. 

Zardoya bears her soul with this album and takes the listener through the different stages of grief.