On first impression the title seems like a dramatic irony that something is about to happen but the speaker doesn’t know why. However, I think a better interpretation is that Mitski, (or the speaker of the album) is making a statement that things are no longer going to just HAPPEN to her.

A huge theme I noticed across the album (and across Mitski’s discography) is a lack of autonomy, what the artist feels about it, and how she reacts. 

She feels like everyone has made up an idea about her that isn’t accurate. Even still, she defines herself by this judgement. It is difficult to share any other part of herself, because what if it’s misinterpreted or used against her? At least being misunderstood is predictable. It’s not really her, so it doesn’t hurt as bad.

However, with this misunderstanding, people want to claim her. They think they know her, so they can say anything they want about her. She feels like a stranger in her own life.

To deal with the stress she dissociates and finds comfort in its misery. However, this only makes the stress worse. It isn’t fixing any problems, just pushing them down the road. 

However, at the end of the album, she realizes that letting the expectations pile up against her is going to kill her. She needs to decide to take agency in her life. 

OVERALL RATING 7.5/10

I thought this album was really good. I was a bit nervous for this album because I honestly wasn’t a fan of the last one. (The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We). However, Nothing’s About To Happen To Me is reminiscent of her older music that I like, while still feeling fresh and mature.

Much of the draw for Mitski’s music is her lyrical content. I do think I’m at a point in my life where this aspect of Mitski often doesn’t quite hit like it used to. As funny as it would be to say it’s because I’m happier now, I don’t want to reduce Mitski to something that’s for depressed people. In reality, I think tastes change over time. That said, certain songs hit home for me more than they ever have. I don’t really look at Mitski’s discography as a “regular playlist” rotation, but rather like a wine cellar where a time may come in my life where a certain album or song is perfect.

Sonically, I like this album because it is nostalgic for me. I have to admit that my favorite moments musically are the ones that remind me of Puberty 2 and Bury Me At Makeout creek.

I am still conflicted between the last two songs. Lightning is so ambiguous– you could really read it as either sad or hopeful. It all depends on how you read the last verse.

All in all, I loved this album.