While I can tell you absolutely nothing about brand new artist Softly Spoken, their debut album was recently dropped in my inbox - and I couldn't help but find myself wanting to know more (something - anything). Upon listening to the project, I didn't find myself blown away, but I could certainly hear the potential. While the full 9-track project is fully acoustic with nothing more than vocals and guitar, there is no doubt that each and every song on the album has "something," to like. Introspective lyrics, slick arrangements, nice vocal melodies and a strong performance carry from beginning to end, with each track bringing along an appeal of its own. With no bells and whistles, this debut project surely works well as study music, coffee house vibes or retail friendly playlists. Clean, chill, minimal and overall pleasing to the ear.
With each track allowing the songwriting to shine and the vocals to take center stage while smooth, crisp acoustic guitar sets the vibe, the full project is as cohesive yet dynamic as can be. From charming, upbeat, "My Person," to emotive, delicate, "Pieces," (which happens to be my personal favorite) and every track in between, Softly Spoken delivers a captivating performance throughout with nothing to distract from the overall message and emotion that lies within. About the sentiment behind the project, Softly Spoken says, "Seasons of Love" is a musical journey that captures the essence of love in all its beautiful complexities. This acoustic album offers a soulful exploration of love's many faces—passionate, tender, joyful, and bittersweet."
NOW - a good album is not hard to come by these days - I understand that- but listen... What really caught my attention about Softly Spoken's debut album "Seasons of Love," was their pitch - which read - - -
"This is the first release of a new artist composing entirely of singer song writer acoustic guitar and vocals. If this project is well received, we will be producing the same songs with a full band." - - - and this is where things feel different.
With 10+ years in the music industry, I am not sure I have seen an indie artist do this kind of - shall I say - Soft Launch? It is surely the first time I can remember seeing an artist release a full debut album of - should we call them - demos? acoustic versions? stripped versions?
I can't help but feel like it all feels backwards and kind of willy nilly (by all industry standards), but at the same time - in the 2024 landscape and during this DIY indie music revolution, I can't help but feel like it's kind of smart af....
Releasing an album of minimally produced songs can help you:
Test drive new songs to gauge excitement and refine strategies
Find collaborators to team up with and help finalize the full project
Gather organic data that can then be used to push the fully produced version
Help get feedback from fans and colleagues that you can put into play for the full project
Gives you time to listen and refine any lyrics, melodies, arrangements before you go all in
The list goes on...
So while, "Seasons of Love," currently doesn't play like a game changing, perfectly executed masterpiece, I suppose the real goal at this stage in the game is to simply see the potential in the project and get us excited and eager to hear these songs with full production behind them. I for one - say YAY.
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