“What does it mean to be human?” she asks in the track’s chorus, her voice floating above a chorus of tremolo guitar, djembe, and cello. Alongside guest vocalist Crys Matthews and violinist Kelly Halloran, Sage’s voice becomes an instrument of its own, urging viewers to reflect on compassion, purpose, and accountability.
Throughout the video, an improvisational dancer weaves in and out, her graceful movements acting as a mirror to Sage’s lyrics. The dancer flows through open streets and alleys, casting her silhouette against the city’s worn brick and street art, giving shape to the song’s themes of isolation, justice, and a longing for connection. In one striking scene, she and Sage appear side by side, facing the camera with expressions of shared introspection and quiet strength, underscoring the artist’s message that these emotions—grief, hope, and gratitude—are universal.
Sage’s lyrics delve into the turmoil of those early pandemic days—gratitude for essential workers, fear of the unknown, and the raw reality of protests against racism. As the video unfolds, Sage is seen in various intimate New York settings: standing alone in shadowy rooms, strumming her guitar before vintage footage, and moving through vibrant street art installations. Each frame brings her words to life, a visual diary of the isolation and hope that marked this chapter.
With an eclectic ensemble, Sage creates a sound that is at once nostalgic and inventive, amplifying the sense of urgency in her lyrics. Every element is purposeful, each musician a part of Sage’s call for introspection. Released under her label, MPress Records, Albatross (Reimagined) feels like Sage’s personal dialogue with the world, a reminder that humanity’s best and worst moments are irrevocably intertwined.
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