Andrew Patterson – Normal People (2021)
With a reputation for intimate lyricism atop moving melodies, singer-songwriter Andrew Patterson has been beguiling listeners for the past five years (give or take). If you have not heard of Patterson before, then listen up! If you have, listen up as well! Featured in various publications (including RTE, Hot Press and Chord Blosson), as well as several online radio stations, the Irish folk artist is making waves on an international scale. The latest addition to his critically acclaimed discography is the single ‘Normal People’.
Recorded with producers Michael McCluskey and Pete Maher, Andrew Patterson’s ‘Normal People’ is a soothing, tranquil melody underlying heartbreaking lyricism. While Patterson is a solo artist, he collaborated with Chris McCann to capture the full live band sound in this single; however, I think he would have done just as well with a stripped-back version of ‘Normal People’. It doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy the single as it is, I’m just saying it would be brilliant to hear an acoustic version of ‘Normal People’ to truly showcase his versatility.
Beautifully layered, the guitar-driven single melds toe-tapping instrumentation with Patterson’s rich vocals. The dulcet tones inspire a rather lighthearted tone with joviality, but the lyricism shows Patterson’s depth of content. Inspired by Sally Rooney’s book Normal People, ‘Normal People’ touches on being a “normal person” – trying to fit in with the crowd. It looks at insecurities, inner turmoil and anxieties faced by those who want to be “normal”. Yet, while the witty lyricism looks at the case of normality, it also leaves a lingering question asking what normal really is?
“Also inspired by my own journey, it’s a call to the struggle in each of us to fit in despite all of our quirks and insecurities. The realisation becomes that really, no one is truly normal and everyone is searching for the same sense of belonging.” – Andrew Patterson on ‘Normal People’
An outstanding and anthemic track, Patterson hypnotises us with this poignant tune invoking senses of melancholy, reflection and sincerity.
For more from Andrew Patterson, check out his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
