Sam McLeod – youme&everything (2021)
Drawing together the sounds of Bon Iver, Radiohead, Shy Girls and Mikky Ekko, US-based singer-songwriter Sam McLeod is quite genre-defying. With his soothing melodies, heartfelt lyrics and flowing vocals, McLoed is a refreshing breath in a stagnating pop scene. Instead of following the crowd with contemporary music, he stands up as a unique representation of 80s pop in modern-day society. Featured on various playlists and radio stations, including Lightening 100 Radio, McLeod is building a reputation for engaging music. The latest addition to his discography is ‘youme&everything’.
Following his ‘Baby Love’, ‘youme&everything’ is a fusion of dream-pop, post-rock and 80s synth-pop. Similar to the former track where McLeod touches on elements of love, perseverance and new beginnings, ‘youme&everything’ explores the issue of true love with the good and the bad. No relationship is utterly perfect, we all have imperfections and this single showcases how imperfections make love stronger – it’s no longer about the physical and emotional connection, there’s something much deeper between the lovers.
Written as a “wedding gift” for a friend living in Australia, McLeod shares that “…the song outlines the anticipation, expectation, disappointment and reassurance of marriage. I myself have been married for 10 years and have experienced a broad scope of what a loving relationship can endure.” Taking his knowledge and personal experiences adds a tenderness to the soothing song.
While McLeod performed the track live at his friend’s wedding, we are not able to enjoy that acoustic performance. Instead, we have to be content with the recorded version, not that I mind at all. Beautiful in its simplicity, the melodic tune places you in a bubble of warm happiness. It’s not difficult to leave the flowing track with a grin on your face and a heart filled with the joyous expectations of true love. I can easily see (or rather hear) ‘youme&everything’ used as one of those heart-rendering tracks at anniversaries and weddings across the globe.
In addition to his single, Sam McLeod has released an official music video for ‘youme&everything’. A rather enchanting video with transitions from McLeod singing to contemporary pas de deux, the video is a visual representation of a loving relationship. Two bodies moving as one to form the foundation of what true love really is. Unfortunately, the video does feature strobe-like effects and patterns that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
For more from Sam McLeod check out his official website, Facebook, Twitter and Spotify.
