Taylor Acorn's 'Survival in Motion': An Empowering Debut That Revives Pop Punk Spirit
Written by: Mikaila Storrs
Taylor Acorn has just dropped her long-awaited debut album, Survival in Motion—and it’s every bit as empowering as fans had hoped. This collection, born out of struggle, serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s always hope for a brighter future. Acorn’s sound is reminiscent of Avril Lavigne, capturing that same blend of raw emotion and powerful delivery.
Reflecting on the album, Taylor shared, “I feel like I’ve been waiting a lifetime to be able to say ‘I’m putting out a debut album,’ but in all honesty, I’m so glad I waited for as long as I have. I feel like I’ve finally found my sound — I’ve fallen in love with every single song in its own right, the writing process was truly something I’ll never forget — and to top it off, I got to share the experience with my best friends and some of the most amazing and talented people I know.”
For Taylor, the pop-punk and pop-rock scenes of the '90s and 2000s are more than just influences—they’re a core part of who she is. Growing up in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, she always dreamed of a music career. In 2014, she left Kutztown University to pursue her passion, and by 2017, she had set her sights on Nashville.
The title track, Survival in Motion, really captures the essence of pop punk. The genre has always been about calling out the world's problems, and this track does just that. It critiques society and how we cope by distracting ourselves, pushing forward even when we feel like we’re falling short. It’s raw, real, and an incredible title track that embodies the spirit of resilience.
Applause reflects the all-too-common experience of believing you could change a toxic man. It's a theme many women face—thinking we can transform someone, only to realize they won’t change unless they truly want to. She compares his actions to a well-rehearsed act, fooling her into thinking he could be the person she hoped for, and sardonically tells him, “Well done, you really deserve the applause.”
In High Horse, she mocks the constant public scrutiny she faces online. She points out that, in the grand scheme of things, none of it really matters, even hoping their "high horse throws them into a ditch." While she could easily bring them down, she chooses to rise above. This is my favorite track on the album because it playfully addresses how people always have something to say about your life. But as you grow older, you realize none of that matters—karma will get them, or they’ll stay bitter while you live happily.
Another standout track is Final Nail. This upbeat, guitar-heavy song marks the definitive end of a relationship, reflecting her journey through processing betrayal and repeatedly forgiving. The lyrics, “Hope you enjoy, been digging your own grave, bless your heart, send my regards to your skeletons,” vividly illustrate how she views the end of the relationship as a final farewell. The song cleverly compares the conclusion of their relationship and his personal downfall to his own funeral, emphasizing that he's now completely “dead” to her.
Taylor Acorn is poised to make a significant impact in the pop punk scene, and it’s exciting to see where her career will lead. With her debut album Survival in Motion already setting the stage for her distinctive sound and perspective, and her upcoming tour opening for influential bands like Dashboard Confessional and Boys Like Girls, she’s on the brink of something big. Her talent and unique voice in the genre suggest that she’s just getting started, and it will be thrilling to watch her journey unfold and see how she continues to shape the pop punk landscape.