Critic's Notebook

Alex Irish’s From Dallas, With Love Is Dreamy After Dark Listening

Raised in Cleburne, Irish shares her debut album during Halloween week, a re-imagining of Dallas nightlife through her perspective.
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Alex Irish's debut album is now available for streaming.

Courtesy of IRAS

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Last year, Alex Irish’s story had an arc that involved her recovering from trauma (both physically and mentally) and rebuilding her confidence. Her transformation to the defiant artist she is now has been heavily fueled by her desire to push boundaries of what Dallas hip-hop can be.

Irish has developed a fan base for her blend of rap, rock, pop and Latin influences. She feels shit in her music, shifting from raw, aggressive anthems to melodic trap whenever she pleases. For From Dallas, With Love, she cites southern Texas and West Coast influences (Dom Kennedy’s From the Westside, With Love series had to be an inspiration), creating a hedonistic soundtrack that’s equal parts hazy, sensual and dreamy.

“The meaning behind my project is to give my listeners glimpses of my current life,” she explains. “From Dallas isn’t just geography; it’s identity. It represents grit, soul and southern intensity. And With Love softens it, showing that even after everything, I still lead with empathy, forgiveness and authenticity.”

Woman in a car
From Dallas, With Love is a shapeshifting mix of psychedelic hip-hop, alt-rap and hyperpop.

Courtesy of IRAS

Editor's Picks

Over seven tracks, Irish documents the city as both muse and mirror. “Baddest” featuring Zay Suav is lustful, recalling drug-filled nights in a suite with a woman who clearly has it all. Irish may have expensive taste with all designer everything, but indulging in this type of woman is only a temporary escape.

“Brighter” is a clear standout. Through moody Auto-Tune, it is a call to action to keep fighting and let that fire burn hotter.

“Mine” features Rari Kari, Irish’s alternative meets rage rap song that’ll rock at her shows. It doesn’t matter what the price is; she’s got it and then some.

The album ends on “Night Crawler,” a trippy blur of late-night decisions that keeps you on the dance floor longer. Live life with no regrets, even for a chance at finding love.

Related

From Dallas, With Love is the result of Irish living and documenting Dallas nightlife, capturing its sound and identity in 2025. This is for the nocturnals who are still making moves past midnight in Deep Ellum. It is for the dedicated night owls who retire at after-hours clubs and hookah lounges. It is for the night riders who need some cruising tunes for the open highway.

You can stream the album below or on your preferred streaming service.

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