Eman Alali Struggles to Let Go in Indie-Folk Ballad 'Packing Away'

Following her debut single ‘Shameless,’ singer-songwriter Eman Alali has returned with a more introspective offering. Her second single, ‘Packing Away,’ serves as a vulnerable exploration of heartbreak, marking a transition point in her evolving musical identity.

While the London-based, Saudi-Iranian singer’s debut established a presence, ‘Packing Away’ leans into the painful beauty of closure, focusing less on the act of someone leaving and more on the internal unpacking that follows. Alali describes the song as a dual mourning process: letting go of a partner, and letting go of the version of oneself that existed within that relationship.

Musically, the track sits at a hazy intersection of indie-folk and dream pop, anchored by delicate acoustic guitar. It builds into a richer, more atmospheric sound through layered electric guitar swells, grounding bass lines and cinematic percussion, creating an intimate yet expansive feel. A simple, lingering video accompanies the track, one shot in Tunis, Tunisia. Directed by Tunisian artist and filmmaker, Firas Ben Ali, it uses the city’s landscape to manifest the song’s themes of departure and self-discovery.

While ‘Packing Away’ comes as another notch on Alali’s growing belt, it’s more important role might be that it is a bridge in her work. According to the artist, it is the final acoustic-threaded release before she pivots toward a bolder, pop-driven direction, both a tender goodbye to her folk roots and a confident step in her journey.