Jeremy M – boys don’t cry (2022)
Described by YorkMix Radio’s Ben Fry as having “the voice of an angel”, UK-based Jeremy M truly is something special. The solo project of Jeremy M (also known as Jeremy Muluka), the talented singer-songwriter has been making original material for the past five years (give or take). This is my introduction to the lad, but he has already received coverage from numerous radio stations and playlists. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘boys don’t cry’.
Penned in his childhood home, ‘boys don’t cry’ speaks about toxic masculinity and the struggle of being a young male in society. Jeremy M explains that the track “talks about the difficulties of being male and the expectation…forced upon boys, how no one listens to boys when they voice their concerns as they are deemed too young.” The fact that children are often considered too young to understand societal rules and that “boys should not cry” is nothing new, but it is important to look at the topic, nonetheless.
Originally written as a letter to his family, ‘boys don’t cry’ is Jeremy M standing up and speaking his mind; however, as the song progressed, he believed it “serves a better purpose as an open letter to the patriarchal constructs of our society.” Either way, it is intimate, profound and personal showcasing the artist’s depth.
What I find intriguing about Jeremy M is how the melody of his material aligns with the theme. In ‘boys don’t cry’, the arrangement has a toe-tapping beat with a slightly upbeat quality. Yet, the synth-driven track also brings a tinge of anger, sadness and frustration through the melody. Opening as a simplistic synth-led pop track, ‘boys don’t cry’ turns your head and sets you adrift on a glistening river of sound. The thing is, as the song progresses the beat becomes harder, faster and ends with the incorporation of an electric guitar – a crescendo showing you the tumultuous sonic waves beneath the smooth glass surface.
While the melodic arrangement is impressive and well thought out, it is Jeremy M’s vocals that send my heart soaring. Showcasing his wide vocal range, he sends shivers down your spine with his angelic tones. It is his voice that, to me, is the highlight of ‘boys don’t cry’.
For more from Jeremy M check out his official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
