#ingrooves

1. 11:11 2. Rise Up 3. Pirate Song 4. Not the End 5. Ordinary Day

Effervescent and personal, Ben Barnes’ Songs For You is a debut to be proud of. It’s a compelling collection inspired by moments in Barnes’ life, his own dreams and ideas, splashed on a canvas coloured with piano and rich instrumentation. A release that is unconfined to a specific sound is the most liberating; shades of jazz, 70′s nightclub disco, gospel and contemporary pop, all tied together, but by the same token exist apart.

We’ve previously discussed the sophisticated soul behind “11:11,” a wish of happiness for a loved one, an endearment of respect and acceptance. “Rise Up” has a spiritual tone, comfort in knowing that the sun will rise once again. A new tomorrow is something to hold hope and anticipation in. Barnes looked to gospel hymns for inspiration, it’s a song that speaks to and for all. His voice inflection is on full display, power that builds as the track moves forward.

It brims with longing, to be found and heard, or to recapture magic of the past. I love the citing of nature’s elements – the beauty and pain they can bring, much like any matter in our complex lives. Overwhelmed and wistful, stylistically it finds a balance that is emotional and on its way to recovery. The string arrangement is heavenly, adding vigor in both the high (and low) places. 

There’s a playful, discothèque feel to “Pirate Song” and the pursuit of a “swashbuckling pirate woman” by a poor, lonely man. It’s very jubilant – lyrics that reference Tinkerbell and Captain Hook, a sail out to the seven seas (and perhaps Notting Hill, but I’d need confirmation). The gang chorus of “Heave ho, blow me down” is immensely fun, as if a band of pirates joined together for a musical number while they plotted their next mission. It’s big band reminiscent, but also has a colourful RnB flavour to it. 

“Not the End” is admittedly inspired by John Lennon’s infamous quote, ‘Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.’ I think that embracing the cliché and universal motto serves him well, however, it’s for that reason sweeping and soulful. The organ and brass arrangement adds affection and warmth, a gentle hand offering support and a friend if needed. It encourages listeners to take that additional breath and time; the world will open for you.

I just adore “Ordinary Day” for its honest simplicity, love for another not yet ready to hear it. It’s contemporary piano pop that has an anthemic vibe, almost tragic in sound as he finds solace while she cannot. He speaks of wanting what they have to be ‘enough,’ companionship and healing together, when words fail. The strings and keys are striking in this, imploring reprieve while suffering exists for both. We wait because we have belief and greater aspirations, guided by our hearts.

He has coined his genre ‘old soul pop,’ which is fitting for the classic charm exuded through the five-track. The vocal delivery is lifting, littered with romance, ache and dreams. It’s so fulfilling to see an artist achieve a long-term goal and passion, in the process imparting that joy on others. Having had the opportunity to speak with Barnes earlier this week, we know his music is special and here to stay. 

Hopeful and imaginative, Barnes’ appreciation for his craft is clear in Songs For You. 

Ultimately, it’s a statement that accepts the chips as they fall. Fate works in mysterious ways; we can only live our lives and for those we love, cherish them and their dreams. Might there be pain and sorrow? Perhaps, but the underlying wish is for them to be ‘happy, free and fearless,’ a genuine support that recognizes the swooning sensation as endearment, but also respect. 

His sensitivity and enthusiasm make for a bright collision. It’s a full sound, featuring Charles Jones (piano), Paul Hamilton (drums), Conor McCreanor (guitar) and Lee Thornburg (trumpet), and produced by John Alagia and Jesse Siebenberg. A cross between what you might find at a speakeasy jazz club and under the blinding lights of a theater stage, it's intricately crafted in sentiment, but still has a defined swing. Barnes’ tone has the stylings of a crooner from decades past—smooth, but with a power and edge that can co-exist on today’s charts. 

The music video features his friend and Westworld co-star, Evan Rachel Wood. In a stunning set, Barnes and Wood portray a connection that’s more than an intimate relationship, as he sees (or fantasizes) her around the performance venue. Towards the finale, his pursuit is fully realized, and it is liberating. To love unconditionally is giving another the freedom to exist and sending your best, together or apart. “11:11″ is a beautiful introduction to Barnes’ latest endeavor. 

Barnes’ debut EP Songs For You will be released October 15 (Label Logic / Ingrooves).