Review: "Strangers Now" - Sam Heselwood

Sam Heselwood’s “Strangers Now” is a beautifully composed ballad that traces the edges of lost love and yearning, or in other words, doesn’t hold back on making our hearts ache a little. Heselwood embodies the emotional turmoil that haunts us after the the loss of a first love, of a partner turned stranger, and takes us through his process of grief, reflection, memory, and what once was. Singing, "sneaking out of our parents' house / we made plans to leave this town,” Heselwood conveys just how deep his connection runs through him, recounting both a future and past that are nothing but empty memories now. In short, Heselwood's raw, unwavering sense for candid lyrics really shine through this track, and when paired with the final production, it transforms into a masterpiece. "Strangers Now" gives a taste of the vast folklore that is Heselwood’s discography, characterized by the beautiful, the tragic and the sweet, sweet pain that is loving.

"Strangers Now" is a musically compelling track that will have you both sobbing and acknowledging the beauty in the sorrow while it repeats on your playlist. The soft, subtle strings that invite us into the track provide immediate ease and comfort, complementing Heselwood's gentle vocals. As the verses move forward, Heselwood maintains an honest, emotionally charged sound while still catering to the relatively upbeat, warm instrumentals that accompany him in the background. Wearing his heart on his sleeve and presenting his vulnerability through his vocal chords, Heselwood inevitably tangles us in his somber sentiment. Growing more passionate with each bridge and chorus, he takes us with him on his journey marked with pining and leftover affections. In singing with such emotion and leaning into the folky elements that he plays off of so well, Heselwood outdoes himself yet again with a vulnerable melody we simply can't get out of our heads.

Folk pop singer-songwriter Sam Heselwood has taken the pop world by storm, solidifying himself as an upcoming artist with a talent for tugging at our heart strings! This former rugby player turned to music and hasn’t looked back since, gracing fans with impactful lyrics and passionate melodies. Delving deep into his own struggles and refusing to shy away from any displays of vulnerability, Heselwood entrances fans with a relatability, authenticity, and sheer humanity that can be heard and felt in his songs. Inspired by artists like Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi, Heselwood has settled into a gripping niche and has it made his very own. Be on the lookout for updates and releases by following his socials down below! As always, Stay tuned!

Written By Pejah Carr

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