Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Stephen G. Clayton – Lies to Die For (2021)

Stephen G. Clayton is featuring Knight-Malciak for a single that is a little different to his previous releases. While he usually has a singer-songwriter vibe to his songs, he has taken a more pop turn with ‘Lies to Die For’. Mixing electronic pop notes with some chamber music sounds, he creates a blended soundscape that showcases his versatility.

While Clayton started his recording career with the band Meeky Rosie, he has only recently returned to songwriting. As a way to get rid of the pandemic blues, he took to writing 14 years after the band disbanded. His previous releases have landed him on Tom Robinson’s BBC Radio 6 show and Fresh on the Net’s top 10 listening post.



The opening of ‘Lies to Die For’ brings the chamber music vibe that makes you think of sunny summer days in the country. There is an amazing orchestral tone to the music that eases into your senses. The light swells are like deep inhales and make you smile while you relax back into the richness of the sound. As the song progresses, there are these deep vibrating beats that come through the lower level adding a bit of pace to the easiness of the melody. These beats turn the track from chamber music to an interesting orchestral pop soundscape that you can’t get enough of.

Resting on the music is an equally easy vocal performance. As the vocals enter, they lightly breeze over your skin with a delicate warmth. There is an uplifting feeling to them that sends your spirit lightly soaring like leaves whirling on the wind. The lyrics have a contemplative vibe to them that dip into serious thoughts while drawing you to a gentle understanding. By the end of the track, you are filled with a lightness that helps you meet anything that comes with a smile.

Stephen G. Clayton draws you into a lush soundscape that combines chamber tones with orchestral pop for a relaxing listening experience in ‘Lies to Die For’. While the melody forms a plush soundscape that you sink into, the vocals have a warm contemplation to them. The song makes you think about the lyrics while lifting your spirits.

Find out more about Stephen G. Clayton on his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.