Violet Whimsey’s “Sally” Feels Like Floating Through a Dream You Don’t Want to Wake Up From

There’s a kind of magic that happens when a song doesn’t just sound beautiful, but feels like something you’ve lived through. “Sally,” the latest release from Violet Whimsey, hits that rare mark with such delicate force, it’s almost hard to talk about without getting a little misty-eyed.

Let’s start here: that voice. When Ann Kim, the soul behind the Violet Whimsey project, opens her mouth, the world gets quieter. The first few seconds of “Sally” feel like a cloud parting—silky smooth, angelic, but never too precious. There’s a weightlessness to it, the kind that makes you lean back in your chair, close your eyes, and forget where you are.

But don’t let the softness fool you. There’s depth here. “Sally” is a character built from heartbreak and hope—a girl who keeps trying in a world that keeps swinging. She’s too soft for the hard edges around her, but still manages to move forward, quietly wishing things could be different, even if she doesn’t quite know how. The song becomes a portrait of resilience wrapped in velvet.

Musically? It’s a trip—in the best way. Psychedelic guitars hum and swirl in the background, creating a lush soundscape that feels like sunlight filtering through stained glass. It’s dreamy. It’s gentle. It’s just warped enough to make you feel like you’ve stepped sideways into another dimension, but not so far that you forget where you came from. There’s something vintage in the air, yet it’s never dated—like a hazy Polaroid of a moment you’ve never lived but somehow remember.

And then there's the songwriting, which, honestly, deserves a spotlight of its own. Ann Kim doesn't just write songs—she builds tiny universes in three minutes. “Sally” isn’t just a character, she’s someone you swear you’ve met. Or maybe you are her, or were, or could be. That’s the real strength of this track: it takes deeply specific storytelling and somehow turns it into a mirror for whoever’s listening.

“Sally” is our first glimpse into Violet Whimsey’s upcoming sophomore album, set for fall 2025. Where her first record lived in the romantic corners of the heart, this next chapter promises to dive into the tougher stuff—fallout, friendship, and the messy endings no one writes songs about nearly enough. If this single is any indication, we’re in for a beautifully bittersweet ride.

So whether you’re walking through the city with your headphones in, staring at the ceiling on a rainy afternoon, or simply in need of a little escape—press play on “Sally.” Let it wash over you. Let yourself drift. Some songs make you want to dance. This one? It makes you want to feel.