Andy Smythe – Tears Can Heal (2024)
In an interview earlier this year with singer-songwriter Andy Smythe, he shared that music is everything… it’s a way of communicating and leaving an impression and record of our life…”; using his exceptional storytelling skills and penchant for fantastic melodies, Smythe carries us into tales of life in all its glory and grit. On the heels of his successful album Poetry In Exile, the UK-based Smythe released critically acclaimed singles ‘Don’t Be A Fool’ and ‘Lova Ain’t Free’. Today we delve into the most recent addition to his discography, ‘Tears Can Heal’.
Known for his genre-diverse style woven with engaging lyricism, Smythe’s songs are vibrant tapestries of sounds and words. Recorded and produced with composer Chris Payne, ‘Tears Can Heal’ pushes folk music to its boundaries and steps across the limits with an unconventional eclecticism. While Smythe’s guitar saunters through ‘Tears Can Heal’, this new track is far more obscure than previous work. A concoction of strings, piano and percussion meld together in a haunting flood of music; however, just as there is a flowing continuity in the harmonic orchestra, each instrument adds a bright thread to the sonic tapestry shimmering in its individuality.
An immersive experience, ‘Tears Can Heal’ seeps into your heart and soul with its vivid, almost palpable raw emotion. Penned as a tribute to an old friend who unfortunately passed away, the arrangement raises painful emotions in a simultaneously heart-warming and heart-breaking tune. Smythe’s vocals are weighty and full-bodied, but the richness lingers in the melody – kind of like a vulnerable subdued whisper veiled by the haunting instruments. Smythe explains:
“This is a song about the memory of a friendship. It tells the story of a dear friend that I lost some years ago. I’ve collaborated with another friend, composer Chris Payne to produce the arrangement. Our friendship also spans 20+ years, so I guess this song is a celebration of both the memory friendship and current friendship… My songs are about my inner world, and I try and orchestrate the music to the words to achieve an equilibrium that the listener will enjoy.”
Sincere, sentimental and brimming with brutal honesty, ‘Tears Can Heal’ is one of Smythe’s most powerful songs to date. It’s tragic but beautiful in that sadness. I cannot wait for more from this talented musician.
Find out more about Andy Smythe on his official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more indie-folk tunes on The Other Side Reviews Indie Folk playlist:
