Alanna Miller writesComing Attractions: “T&A” by Blondshell

by Alanna Miller

Blondshell’s ‘T&A’ is Sabrina Teitelbaum at her best. The second single released from the artist’s sophomore record If You Asked for a Picture has all the markers of what Blondshell listeners have come to expect.

There’s a blatant, 'I won’t take your sh*t,’ attitude combined with a '90s pop-rock sound that recalls the music of Sinead O’Connor, Liz Phair, and Alanis Morsiette. Plus, she’s a skilled storyteller ("Salad" is my generation’s "Goodbye Earl.") and isn’t afraid to get raw. Many songs off her debut discussed themes like self-worth, casual sex, and sobriety with a poetic finesse that has become a Blondshell signature.

"T&A" and its companion single, "What’s Fair," achieve an impressive level of consistency in both sound and appeal to Blondshell’s self-titled debut released in 2023. With a witty, indignant rock anthem, Teitelbaum finds in "T&A" affirmation that she is right in her lane.

The title of the song, '"T&A"- an acronym more often used by rappers than girl rockers- is an overt reference to the sexual objectification of women. The lyrics describe feelings of shame, desire, and perversion. 'But I started taking my shirt off/ and facing the wall,' she laments.

And then it bursts. In the chorus, Teitelbaum belts 'Why don’t the good ones love me?' emoting the desperation felt when lust and toxicity combine. But our narrator’s not entirely innocent in all this. After all, she’s "Letting him in." Sometimes, we just can’t pull ourselves away from a harmful love, which is what makes "T&A"s' lyrics so provocative. 

"T&A" is clever, somewhat pessimistic, and evokes angry, slicing, rock n’ roll feelings in a manner that is a natural extension from her debut. If You Asked for a Picture, set to be released in May, will surely be a highlight of the year.