Reardon Love – Supreme Heartache (2022)
While The Supremes were the most successful commercial Motown act, not all of their stories are happy. This is something that Reardon Love looks into with their new single ‘Supreme Heartache’ which tells the tale of founding member Flo Ballard. Despite singing on almost half of their top songs, she was removed from the band, was a victim of rape and spiralled into depression and alcoholism.
Through the rock-pop sound of the band, they delve into her story, adding a flair of 60s Motown to their usual sonic flavour. While diving into a very specific story, the band continues their outstanding ability to touch on subjects that reach across history and culture to affect people all over the world. Through their music, they highlight the injustices that people face with a mature understanding and delicate touch.
There is a sparkle of twinkling tones that opens ‘Supreme Heartache’, leading you into the blended sound of the track. The melody has a swaying touch of rock-pop that has been softened with a light sprinkling of rich Motown. As you listen to the melody, you start to float down the soundscape. The easy vibes of the music is a little at odds with the vocals and lyrics that dive into a sad spiral. The melody has a wonderfully mature sound that reaches into your chest and tugs at your emotions. The guitar plucks your heartstrings, while the richness of the overall melodic flow covers your senses.
While the melody is packed with a blend of rich Motown and the band’s usual flair of rock-pop, it is the vocals that really make this single. Against the richness of the opening, the vocals flow out with the start of the story. There is a feeling of wonder at discovering an exceptional talent, but this takes a darker turn. There is a controlling edge to the performance that is rather insidious as it lurks behind a softness and lyrics that blame the victim. The first half of the single is dominated by the male vocals and their part in the tale. The second half sees the female vocals rising with a wonderful Motown smoothness. This half of the track is packed with sadness and sorrow that reaches into the far corners of your soul and squeezes your heart. As the vocals meet in a stunning duet, they bring the perspectives of both sides in an extremely captivating merger. The melody and backing vocals make the single even more beautiful and poignant.
With a stunning blend of Motown and rock-pop, Reardon Love tell a sad tale that reaches into your chest and squeezes all your emotions in the beautiful ‘Supreme Heartache’. The melody brings the blend of styles to life with a wonderful maturity. It is the vocals that really steal the show as they draw you into the tale while filling your senses with powerful emotions.
Find out more about Reardon Love on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
