On Friday, May 2nd, in all of his bearded glory, Shannon Smith steps ‘Out Of The Shadows’ and into the spotlight with his debut album to deliver a dose of 70s pop-Americana that utterly glows.
Growing up in a musical household, music runs in Shannon Smith’s veins, and every song on this album is pulled straight from his heart. With each song inspired by stories of Shannon Smith’s life, his debut album is the perfect way to get to know his world, where hope always prevails and the music shines bright.
‘Dance The Night Away (Do Do Do Do)’’ is 4 minutes and 13 seconds of pure feel-good energy. With its cheerful hook of ‘Do Do Do Do’, this soulful pop jam radiates joy, encouraging the listener to tap their toes into the morning light.
The next song is softer but radiates just as much light– ‘Till I’m Home’ is rooted in the campfire warmth of Americana, a relaxed, mid-tempo ballad that rides on comforting layered vocals, rolling guitar riffs, and soothing basslines. It channels the wanderer’s longing for home, that fuzzy feeling that comes from finally returning to loved ones. Written in the middle of a rough patch with his wife, this song pleads, “keep the belief in me, that I can work on myself and come through the other end, a better person, stronger and hopefully wiser.”
Following on from that tender note, ‘I’m Gonna Change’, a redemptive folk-rock track with the extended version giving it more room for the tension to build and giving it a more satisfying release. Officially launching the soft portion of the album, there’s more to this track than what meets the ears– Shannon Smith encourages listening with a good pair of headphones to pick up on all the subtle complexities this track has to offer.
‘Valentine’s Day’ is just as romantic as its namesake, a country-tinged slow jam with gospel backing vocals from stunning The McCrary Sisters. It’s perfect for a slow dance with a lover, with its gentle swing and lyrics that celebrate love, connection, and intimacy.
Marking the midpoint of the album, ‘Break Free’ is a bluesy-folk experience that emphasises the powers of breaking free of toxicity and reclaiming personal freedom. With its soft beginning and momentum gained throughout, this is more than a song: it’s a journey.
In musical contrast, the next song, ‘It Started Off With Lies’ is punchy and boppy from the get-go, with propulsive drums and guitar starting the song on a particularly danceable note, though the breaks of confessional guitar solos and honest lyrics make it a bittersweet song that pairs the heaviness of dishonesty with the uptick that comes with redemption.
Continuing the groovy tracks, ‘Feel Good’ is a funky, up-tempo soul-pop jam, using keyboard and addictive riffs to encourage the listener to find joy in the simple things in life and let themselves ‘Feel Good’.
On a romantic note, ‘I Do’ was written the night before Shannon Smith’s wedding– this gentle country-pop ballad wraps listeners in the sweetness of lifelong devotion with delicate melodies and heartwrenchingly earnest vocal performance.
‘Every Single Day’ explores what comes next— the sort of love that shows up in little actions every single day. With its warm and sunny chorus, this song is as sweet as a pitcher of iced tea on the front porch.
The final song on the album, ‘Light on the Hill’, is dedicated to Shannon Smith‘s late uncle Rob. Grief comes in many forms and changes as the days do, and this song reflects that, starting gently and shifting as the days find their colour again. This song reflects the core of the album and dwells on finding the light in even the darkest of places and emerging with a newfound sense of gratitude and appreciation for life.
Shannon Smith’s debut album ‘Out Of The Shadows’ is more than just an album; it’s an anthology and philosophy on how shedding the weight of the past lets us experience new, beautiful things.
Embrace the light on Friday, May 2nd, when it releases into the world.
Shannon will be hosting an album launch night at Lyric’s Underground on Friday 2nd May with tickets available HERE.
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