Breakup songs usually fall into two categories: devastated confessionals or venom-laced takedowns. “Blame Brett” by The Beaches somehow manages to be both — and neither. It’s sharp without being bitter, cathartic without being maudlin, and funny without undercutting the emotional bruise at its center. Released in 2023, the song didn’t just reintroduce The Beaches to a broader audience; it launched them into a new stratosphere. It’s the kind of track that feels spontaneous and chaotic, yet is built with the precision of a band that understands hooks on a molecular level.
At its core, “Blame Brett” is about emotional deflection — the absurdity of being held responsible for someone else’s dysfunction. But instead of wallowing in self-pity, the band turns that frustration into a swaggering, shout-along anthem. It’s heartbreak with eyeliner smudged just right. It’s pop-rock that bites. And in a musical era often dominated by hyper-polished production or muted introspection, “Blame Brett” arrives loud, unfiltered, and unapologetically fun.
Reinvention and Resurgence
The Beaches — the Toronto-based quartet made up of Jordan Miller, Kylie Miller, Leandra Earl, and Eliza Enman-McDaniel — had already been grinding for years before “Blame Brett” hit. They formed as teenagers, honed their sound through relentless touring, and built a reputation for high-energy performances and tight musicianship. But like many bands navigating the streaming age, they faced the uphill climb of maintaining momentum in a saturated industry.
“Blame Brett,” released as part of their 2023 album Blame My Ex, marked a turning point. The song went viral on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where its sardonic lyrics and explosive chorus made it ripe for memes and confessionals alike. But its success wasn’t accidental. It was the product of a band that had sharpened its sound and identity.
The track channels classic rock swagger while remaining distinctly modern. There are echoes of ‘70s glam and early-2000s indie rock, but the execution feels contemporary — bold and self-aware.
The Sound: Crunchy, Catchy, and Cathartic
Musically, “Blame Brett” wastes no time. It kicks in with punchy guitars and a tight rhythm section that feels both gritty and danceable. The production is crisp but not sterile. There’s texture in the guitars — a satisfying crunch that grounds the song’s pop instincts in rock muscle.
The verses simmer with tension, driven by a bass line that grooves without overpowering. Jordan Miller’s vocals carry a conversational tone at first, almost deadpan. But as the chorus hits, the song explodes into full-throttle release.
That chorus is the song’s knockout punch. It’s big, brash, and built for shouting. The melody is simple enough to latch onto instantly, yet dynamic enough to avoid feeling repetitive. It’s the kind of hook that feels tailor-made for live crowds.
Importantly, the band doesn’t overproduce the track. There’s no excessive layering to mask imperfections. The rawness works in its favor, reinforcing the emotional authenticity at the song’s core.
Humor as Armor
One of the most striking aspects of “Blame Brett” is its humor. The lyrics detail the absurdity of being blamed for a partner’s downward spiral — an ex who weaponizes their own bad behavior while projecting guilt outward.
Instead of delivering a tear-streaked lament, The Beaches respond with biting wit. The title itself reads like a punchline. It’s petty in the best way — reclaiming power through mockery.
The song’s narrative walks a fine line. It’s easy for breakup anthems to slip into self-righteousness. But “Blame Brett” keeps its tongue firmly in cheek. There’s self-awareness in the storytelling. The band isn’t claiming moral superiority; they’re exposing the ridiculousness of the situation.
That humor makes the song deeply relatable. Anyone who’s been unfairly scapegoated in a relationship can latch onto its central joke. And by turning pain into satire, The Beaches transform vulnerability into strength.
Jordan Miller’s Vocal Edge
Jordan Miller’s vocal performance is key to the song’s success. She doesn’t oversell the drama. Instead, she delivers lines with a knowing smirk that underscores the absurdity of the blame game.
When she shifts from the restrained verses to the explosive chorus, the contrast feels earned. There’s a grit to her voice — not overly polished, but confident and clear. It’s a performance that feels lived-in rather than theatrical.
Backing vocals from the band amplify the chorus, giving it a gang-shout quality that heightens its communal feel. It’s not just Jordan venting — it’s a collective exorcism.
A Viral Moment — and More
The song’s viral success introduced The Beaches to listeners far beyond their established fan base. Social media clips of the chorus spread rapidly, often paired with captions about toxic exes and messy breakups.
But “Blame Brett” isn’t just a meme-friendly track. It holds up under repeat listens because of its songwriting craftsmanship. The arrangement builds organically. The lyrics balance specificity and universality. The band sounds tight and purposeful.
Viral moments can be fleeting. What sustains a song beyond the algorithm is substance. “Blame Brett” has it.
Rock Revival with a Twist
In recent years, there’s been renewed interest in guitar-driven music. But many contemporary rock acts lean into nostalgia, recreating past eras without adding new perspective. The Beaches avoid that trap.
“Blame Brett” feels rooted in classic rock traditions — crunchy riffs, big choruses, swaggering attitude — yet it’s infused with modern sensibility. The perspective is unapologetically female, skewering the trope of the self-destructive male antihero.
By flipping that narrative, the band updates the rock canon. They claim space in a genre historically dominated by male voices and do so without losing humor or bite.
Live Wire Energy
One listen to “Blame Brett” makes it clear why the song thrives in a live setting. Its structure is built for audience participation. The call-and-response dynamic in the chorus practically demands a crowd.
The Beaches’ live performances amplify the track’s power. The guitars hit harder. The drums feel more urgent. The chorus becomes communal therapy.
There’s something timeless about that experience — a room full of strangers shouting a shared frustration into the void.
Why It Resonates
At its core, “Blame Brett” resonates because it captures a specific emotional moment with clarity. It’s about the absurdity of misplaced blame. It’s about refusing to shoulder guilt that isn’t yours. It’s about laughing at the chaos instead of drowning in it.
But beyond the lyrical theme, it resonates because it’s fun. The band doesn’t sacrifice joy for seriousness. They allow themselves to revel in the hook, to lean into the groove.
In a music landscape often saturated with minimalism or hyper-produced gloss, there’s something refreshing about a song that just rocks.
A Career-Defining Anthem
“Blame Brett” feels like a defining moment for The Beaches — not because it’s their first strong song, but because it captures their identity so completely. It’s sharp, confident, and brimming with personality.
The song represents reinvention without compromise. It shows a band comfortable in its skin, unafraid to be loud, funny, and vulnerable all at once.
Turn it on now, and it still hits. The riff crackles. The chorus soars. The punchline lands.
In the end, “Blame Brett” isn’t just a breakup anthem. It’s a reclamation. It’s proof that you can take frustration, wrap it in distortion, and turn it into something empowering.
So go ahead. Turn it up. Shout along. And if someone’s looking for a scapegoat — well, you know who to blame.
