Lamenting lost love in a song is nothing new but this tried and true songwriting theme is always going to connect with listeners. That said, ‘I wanted to be honest’ puts a new spin on a common theme with Nazz’s cynical lyrics and mischievous guitar riffs.
‘I wanted to be honest’ opens with a bluesy riff. The skilful gritty guitar upstrokes have classic Deep South traits. It feels retrospective but fresh with Black Keys’ mannerisms. To complete the vibe, drums groove underneath with a toe-tapping swampy tempo. When another guitar enters, the riff veers the song in new whimsical directions. Under the bluesy riffs, the lead guitar adds lashings of Britpop merriment and somewhat of a, dare I say it, cheerful mood.
Leo Nazz’s vocals have distinct timbres. In parts, you can draw similarities to Neil Hannon of Divine Comedy. As the chorus drops Nazz questions, “and I ask myself what did you want, I wish I knew but I never did, I never figured you.” The chorus swings in a way that you could ballroom dance to and ultimately it hooks you in further. Underneath the storytelling melody lines, slide guitars decorate the song with country sentiments.
The lyrics deliver a prominent message throughout. When you dissect each line, Nazz has a lot on his chest that he needs to let loose. During the bridge he goes in hard, “You’d rather show your flesh than show your soul. You’re only 21 but you’re so old. You’d rather bare your flesh and bare your bones. That’s fine, who cares about your soul.”
Leo Nazz has not only lifted a burden by writing ‘I wanted to be honest’, but he’s also created a magnificent song transforming the blues genre. For anyone who likes the sound of a singer-songwriter with blues sentiments and razor-sharp wit, check out Leo Nazz.
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