1. Next to Me by Delilah Montagu
I’m starting this week off with London-based singer/songwriter Delilah Montagu, whose debut EP last year brought with it a timeless groove of a number, Next to Me.
By far the most upbeat of her five songs released to date, Next to Me is irresistibly catchy. All combined, the funky guitar line, fluttering flutes, ballad keys, dreamy strings, and Montagu’s rich vocals create such a retro energy. It fits perfectly with the lyrics, which find the singer reminiscing mournfully about a relationship past.
2. Blame by Grace Carter, Jacob Banks
It would be hard for a Grace Carter/Jacob Banks collab to go wrong – both such incredible vocal powerhouses in their own ways – and Blame lives up to the bar. Slow-paced and reflective, the intensity of both voices is on full display – especially during the choruses, as they sing about accepting that heartbreak sometimes simply happens without any due blame. Carter’s described: “Throughout my life I have often found myself alone and questioning where I went wrong. This song is about [realizing] that sometimes things just don’t work. It’s no one’s fault, it’s just not meant to be.”
Melodically, Blame doesn’t offer anything really unique. It sounds like something you’ve heard before – probably because the chorus also sounds strangely similar to Ed Sheeran’s Perfect – but the duo's delivery gives the song an edge.
3. Nothing Else by Angus & Julia Stone
Nothing Else takes Angus & Julia Stone back to their musical roots, with minimalist production and a dark acoustic sound. The Aussie sibling duo strips things back to some simple strumming and a deep bass line, with Julia’s vocals taking on almost a whisper. It’s not often that a love song sounds so haunted, and this one has a special intimacy explained by the music video's interpretation.
The video features two ‘versions’ of Julia Stone: the tightly-wound businesswoman and the free-spirited artist, portraying the song as one of self-love and self-acceptance. Julia's said she "wanted to make a video that shows an aspect of the relationship we have with ourselves. The parts we love, the parts that we find irritating or unlovable.”
Whatever the interpretation, I love the lyrics of this song. Listening to it feels like watching someone in love describe their loved one with true fascination: “You’re not like the other ones / You just wanna go slow, sit still and come undone.” All the sweeter if it happens to be self love.
4. Dark Days by Local Natives, Sylvan Esso
A few months ago Local Natives took a second shot at their 2016 hit Dark Days, this time including Amelia Meath of Sylvan Esso in the process. Describing the collab, the band said --- “She not only lent us her incredible voice, but she wrote a beautiful new verse that taps into the nostalgia and the longing we all feel for a different time.”
It's true: the siren-like quality of Meath’s voice is perfectly suited for daydreaming about bygone summer days. The calming vibe of the music also helps a lot --- happy reminiscing.
Listen on Spotify to all 'Songs of the Week' here.
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