Chris St. John – The Sinner and the Saint (2023)
From his well-received debut single ‘Hey Siri’ in 2021 to his most recent album The Sinner and the Saint, US-based singer-songwriter Chris St. John has been turning heads with his engaging, evocative melodies. This is my introduction to Chris St. John, but he already has numerous publications singing his praises (Indie Pulse Magazine, LA Weekly, Fame Magazine, Skope Magazine, Rock The Pigeon), as well as making waves on the awards scene. With chart-topping singles across the globe and several Top 10 hits over the past several years, the Grammy award-nominated St. John is a forerunner in the Americana music world. Come with us as we delve into his critically acclaimed discography.
Following his 2022 album When Dreams End, The Sinner and the Saint is an eleven-track album traipsing different areas of folk in an intimate way. A hint of Tim McGraw mixed with Garth Brooks and the lyrical profoundness of Willie Nelson, Chris St. John washes audiences with nostalgic flairs of old-school country/folk. Yet, while a hint of comparison, particularly to Tim McGraw, can be heard, St. John has a unique contemporary edge to his soothing sound.
Touching on issues of love, loss and self-discovery, The Sinner and the Saint is a thought-provoking exploration of human experiences at their most vulnerable. Looking at the title track, Chris St. John captures heartache in a soothing, smooth melody. His dulcet vocals weave into a kaleidoscopic country tapestry with soul-stirring gentleness. Interestingly, St. John adds female vocals to ‘The Sinner and the Saint’ that enhances the delicacy and desperation of his loss.
While the poetic lyricism turns your head, the complex but simplistic melody sends your soul soaring. A barebones approach exists with acoustic guitar and St. John’s gruff voice; however, the incorporation of orchestral strings brings complex obscurity to ‘The Sinner and the Saint’.
For more from Chris St. John, check out his official website, Facebook and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
