Rising from personal wreckage with grit, grace, and a genre-defying roar, Royal She have made their mark with the release of their long-awaited debut album, “Befores and Afters”, which officially dropped on July 11, 2025. The Los Angeles-based duo—vocalist Alison Freed and multi-instrumentalist Alexandria Reyes—first made waves with a bold gender-flipped Billie Eilish cover back in 2019. Now, they’re charging forward with a collection of original tracks that explore the emotional wreckage of heartbreak and the resilience that follows. This acts as the official follow-up to the ninth single from the album, titled “Feel Again“.
Across “Befores and Afters”, Royal She fuse rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic influences, crafting a sound that’s both emotionally charged and unapologetically raw. Teaming up with some of the industry’s most sought-after producers and mixers—Logan Mader, Chris Lord-Alge, David Bendeth, Jay Baumgardner, and Math Bishop—the album spans a sonic landscape that refuses to be boxed in. From venom-laced breakup anthems and introspective acoustic ballads to club-ready confessionals and empowering rock bangers, Royal She create a dynamic narrative of heartbreak, healing, and rising stronger than before. It’s a personal, powerful, and unapologetically bold debut that doesn’t just demand attention—it commands it.
The duo kickstarts the album with “Worth It”, a catchy progressive pop-rock number that unleashes empowerment to its listeners. It isn’t until much deeper into the track that a rap verse flies in, transforming the track into a rock-rap anthem that encourages you to listen to it again. Full of resilient lyrics and reclaiming your power, this track fuels its listeners with a heavy soaking of rock guitar chords and unapologetic vocals, teaching us all that we need to learn to love ourselves more, and that we will get through whatever challenges each day throws at us.
This is followed by “My Ex”, which starts off with a nostalgic late ’90s, early ’00s indie pop sound which continues throughout until the rap bridge hits, and again it adds strength to the track, dynamically transforming the track while keeping the vibe. Distorted guitar chords entice the hatred from the lyrics as we feel the venom from the vocals while surrounded by this indie-pop that feels like it should be grunge-rock, considering the lyrics, but the contrast is what makes this track so perfect, especially when the rap comes in as it’s so harsh and savage. We also love that there’s a subtle nod to the 1997 film “Titanic” with that “I’ll never let go, Jack” line.
Electro-pop dominates on the next track, “Silent Killer”, which is totally club-ready. Packed with hypnotic beats and electro-indie vocals with a touch of Euro-pop flair, Royal She deliver a dark and seductive sound that pairs perfectly with the song’s lyrical theme. Channelling a Nelly Furtado “Maneater”-style narrative, the duo warn listeners about a dangerously captivating woman who draws people in, only to lead them down a destructive path and leave emotional wreckage in her wake. The characterisation here is next-level, and the rap bridge shines once again, adding grit and dimension to the already striking electro-pop verses and chorus.
Next up is “Karma“, the pop-rock banger that first put Royal She on our radar. This unforgettable anthem exudes style and swagger as the duo lay down the law on karmic justice, a reminder that what goes around definitely comes around. It’s a callout to all of our exes, ex-best friends, and anyone who’s ever done us wrong, with karma stepping in to serve up the consequences. The revenge fantasy narrative is one we can all relate to, and we’d bet the chant-worthy chorus becomes a massive highlight during their live shows.
Stripping it all back, track five, “Let Her Go”, is an intimate pop ballad that effortlessly showcases the vocals. It gradually builds into a pop-rock moment, with heartfelt electric guitar and rhythmic drum beats layered in as the chilling vocals grow stronger, before gently pulling everything back for an almost acoustic-like ending. The structure flows beautifully with the lyrical theme, which explores heartbreak and the struggle of letting go of someone who’s hurt you. The vocals carry emotional weight throughout, charting a journey from the raw pain of still loving someone who broke you to the desire to move on and heal.
Following that is “When Does Heartbreak Go Home“, an acoustically driven track that spotlights the vocals powerfully as their vulnerability is displayed right in front of us. Lyrically, the track captures the emotional aftermath of betrayal and the relentless search for peace. This theme is surrounded by ethereal strings and cinematic instrumental beats that leave the vocalist with no place to hide, and she certainly doesn’t need to. We’re sure that at any of their live shows, it’s this song that makes the most striking of impacts.
Track seven is “New Dawn“, where Royal She brings more of their versatility to the table, plunging in with rap from the get-go while rock production progresses as soon as the chorus hits. It’s a dynamic alt-rock track that relates to the previous track, “Karma”, as the duo professes that “Your karma’s gonna come”, something we all know will happen to the “shady ass people” who inspired the song, according to our interview with Royal She, last year. Full of grit, fire, and an unforgettably catchy hook, this is bound to stand out on alternative rock playlists for all the right reasons.
The first of the three unheard songs is track number eight, “Something Good”. This one features an EDM-tinged beat with subtle electro melodies layered beneath vocals that still carry a rock edge. It’s hypnotic and emotional, striking a chord with listeners while encouraging us to look for light in dark moments. Lyrically, it delves into societal turmoil and personal battles, with a message rooted in turning pain into strength. Full of resilience and inner fire, “Something Good” feels like the kind of song fans will return to time and time again, the kind of track fans will credit for helping them through their toughest times.
Following that heart-scorching track is “Fine On My Own“, a self-liberation alt-rock anthem that we cannot get enough of. Celebrating independency and living life to the fullest sololy, the track derives from the end of a relationship and trying to cope even after it’s been a year, deciding not to find a rebound or someone new due to how much hurt heartbreak brings, and so the track honours all the single people of the world who are happy being solo. Awesome guitar chords blend ’90s and ’00s rock styles around an addictive mainstream rhythm with chilling synths and hip-hop-infused beats.
“Healing Anthem” is track 10, and what a perfect follow-up to “Fine On My Own”. Opening with a cappella vocals, the track centres its message before rhythmic guitars and punchy drums kick in, pairing effortlessly with the vocal delivery. The soft-rap verses are well-timed against the beat, while the soaring chorus hits with emotional force. With a ‘00s Euro pop-rock vibe reminiscent of t.A.T.u. and The Veronicas, it blends nostalgia with raw power. Lyrically, it tackles overcoming pain and breaking free from negativity, encouraging listeners to reflect, rebuild, and lean on shared experiences. As the track closes, hand claps and bold rhythms leave a strong final impression, reinforcing its message of unity and healing.
This is followed by “Feel Again“, which was their most recent single release. While the previous track had hand claps, this one is embellished with finger clicks, which are built around a consuming pop-rock sound with hints of punk-rock, making this a total highlight on the album. Full of positivity after the last few tracks, the shout-it-from-the-rooftops joyous sound brings a nostalgic ’90s alt-rock feel to it around a modern chant-worthy track that fills listeners with life and energy, championing people who have been through heartbreak and survived.
The final track on the album is “I Will Be There For You”, and it’s a truly powerful way to close things out. Royal She tackle themes of loneliness with warmth and sincerity, letting their fans know they’re never alone—because this duo will always be there for you, no matter what. This rock-pop ballad radiates heartfelt loyalty through soaring harmonies and touching lyrics, creating a sense of genuine connection that makes listeners feel like they share a personal friendship bond with the band. Beyond that, the track gently encourages self-care, reminding us of the importance of looking after ourselves, and it’s inspiring to see Royal She using their platform to uplift and support others in such a meaningful way.
Royal She have delivered a debut that’s unapologetically bold, emotionally raw, and sonically diverse. “Befores and Afters” isn’t just an album, it’s a journey through pain, power, and personal growth, where every track adds a new layer to their story. Blending genres and wearing their hearts on their sleeves, this duo have crafted a body of work that will resonate deeply with anyone who’s ever had to rebuild themselves from the ground up. “Befores and Afters” is fierce, vulnerable, and it lingers long after the final beat.
In support of the album, Royal She are set to headline a special release show at The Troubadour in Los Angeles on July 24, 2025. A major moment for the duo as they bring “Befores and Afters” to the stage. Known for its intimate atmosphere and rich musical history, the venue promises an electric setting for what’s sure to be an unforgettable night. Joining them on the lineup are Mermaid, DJ Amara, BOZ, and Chloe Moser, rounding out a stellar evening of talent. With tickets selling fast, fans won’t want to miss their chance to be part of this milestone performance. Click here to buy your ticket to Royal She’s album release show.
“Befores and Afters”, by Royal She, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, via Freed Planet Records. Don’t forget to buy your ticket to their show on July 24, 2025, as they celebrate the release of “Befores and Afters”. Also, if you’ve got some extra time, why not check out our official interview with Royal She, where we covered their song “Karma”, their rising success, and all about this album.