Garland Kelley – The Higher Road (2023)
With a reputation for insightful singles inspired by life in its entirety, singer-songwriter Garland Kelley is a refreshing burst of sophisticated sounds in a sometimes-stagnating independent music scene. Despite being a veteran musician, he has only three singles to his name as a solo artist; however, it only takes a few singles to prove the sincerity and character of his music. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘The Higher Road’.
Hot on the heels of ‘The Point Of No Return’, Kelley embraces his diversity adding a folk slant to the indie-rock/alternative rock sound we have come to know. Tapping into his inner James Taylor and Leonard Cohen, there is a poetic nostalgia flowing through this mellifluous single, but a modern-day folk-rock tone brings ‘The Higher Road’ to the 21st century. Soft and soothing with an acoustic-inspired arrangement, Kelley engulfs listeners in a warm embrace. Interestingly enough, while a simplistic approach is used in the melody, there is a kaleidoscopic sensation proving less can be more.
As I mentioned, Garland Kelley offers insightful singles inspired by life, and ‘The Higher Road’ captures raw human essence at its core. Crisp and bold, but still light and dreamy, the new single oozes honesty as Kelley touches on love and relationships. The thing is, while a melancholic innocence exists in ‘The Higher Road’, its optimistic choruses breathe a sense of sophistication, empowerment and acceptance into the song.
“This was written when I was 16 during the rise and fall of my first heartbreak. There is a sense of duality as the verses have a mournful beauty to them while the choruses are brighter and more hopeful. I feel there is a timeless and universal quality to this innocent perspective and the journey of maturing in the understanding of love.” – Garland Kelley on ‘The Higher Road’
For more from Garland Kelley, check out his official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
