Genevieve Stokes Medicine Single Review: A Raw New Era of Alt-Pop

Genevieve Stokes Just Dropped “Medicine”—And It’s the Reality Check We Needed

If you’ve been following Genevieve Stokes since her Catching Rabbits days, you know she has this uncanny ability to make a piano sound like it’s gossiping with you. Her latest single, “Medicine,” which just hit streamers on January 30, doesn’t break that streak—but it definitely feels like she’s grown up.

Coming off the heels of her debut album, With a Lightning Strike, there was a lot of curiosity about where Genevieve would go next. Would she go full-blown radio pop? Thankfully, the answer is no. “Medicine” stays true to that “Portland, Maine magic” she’s known for, but it feels a bit more lived-in.

It’s Not Just a Song, It’s a Mood

The first thing you notice about “Medicine” is the rhythm. It has this staccato, driving piano line that feels like a heartbeat skipping. While the production is crisp, there’s an intentional “messiness” to it—the sound of her laughing in the background, the way the harmonies stack up until they almost feel overwhelming.

It captures that specific feeling of being stuck in your own head. You know that moment where you’re trying to find a “cure” for your stress, but you realize you’re actually just trying to numb out? That’s what Genevieve is tapping into here.

“I’m trying to find a way to be okay, but I’m just looking for the easiest exit.” (Okay, those aren’t the literal lyrics, but that’s exactly the energy she’s channeling.)

Why This Track Hits Different

What makes Genevieve stand out in 2026 is that she isn’t trying to be a “viral moment.” While other artists are chasing 15-second TikTok trends, “Medicine” is a song that actually demands you sit down and listen to it for the full three minutes.

• The Vibe: It’s giving 90s alternative (think Fiona Apple or early Tori Amos) but filtered through a Gen Z lens.

• The Lyrics: They aren’t over-polished. They feel like a voice note from a friend who’s had a long week.

• The Evolution: It’s less “fairytale” than her early work and more “real world.” It’s gritty, beautiful, and a little bit haunting.

The Verdict

If you’re having one of those weeks where the world feels a little too loud, “Medicine” is the perfect companion. It doesn’t offer easy answers, but it makes the struggle feel a lot more poetic.

Genevieve Stokes is proving that you don’t need a massive orchestra to sound big—you just need a piano and the guts to be honest.