Singer-Songwriter Ren Laments a Too-Good Relationship in "New Way" Music Video

Sometimes, relationships can be too happy and drama-free, okay? At least, that's the case in 17-year-old musician Ren's new song and music video "New Way."

The song, a slow-jam pop number with a blues-y rock guitar backbeat, discusses a relationship gone stale and the ensuing quest for that “Taylor Swift circa ‘The Way I Loved You’” kind of emotional rush. Ren admits there's maybe something not so great about that idea, singing that she "needs something off just so I can feel on."

But it can't be helped. At the beginning of the video, she opens the door to reveal a boy in Ken doll-esque packaging, a box with labels like "skaterboy starter pack." As she lugs her love interest (played by fellow Canadian singer-songwriter Sebastian Javier) into the living room, it's clear she's unenthused — he's just too good to be true. She's unabashed to ask for what she wants in the bridge: "Hold me close, and tell me your ex was more fun."

Speaking with Teen Vogue, Ren explains that the message of "New Way" is one that's relatable for a lot of people her age: You get used to the drama, to bad behavior, and then it's hard to see a good thing for what it is.

“I think a lot of teenagers in relationships go through rough patches, especially in an age of being able to see everyone’s stories and locations," Ren says. "This causes a lot of stress and anxiety that almost gets trapped because you don’t want your significant other to think you're a creep for checking up on them. Then suddenly when they do something nice for you it completely trumps the negative worries and beliefs you thought you had. So when none of the bad, worrying things are happening you feel almost lost and too perfect.”

"New Way" is the latest in a string of pop singles from Ren, including debut song "Waves" from early 2019 and her November single "IDC." Don't expect the rest of that forthcoming first record to follow the blueprint of "New Waves," however, at least in its point of view. “The content of the song 'New Way' is almost a completely different perspective from the rest of the EP," Ren says. "It’s a love song with the message of being completely vulnerable to the highs, and always expecting lows, but not getting what you expect and questioning your overwhelming happiness."

Watch the video for "New Way" below:

Let us slide into your DMs. Sign up for the Teen Vogue daily email.

Want more from Teen Vogue? Check this out: BTS Took a Pic With Ariana Grande, But Where Is Yoongi?

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue