Introduced by a gentle piano, ‘The Sad Ones’ flourishes on the back of Shawn Brown’s evocative, cathartic vocals, incredibly nuanced and soft, yet intense and meaningful. Slowly, the record builds a series of textures and orchestral elements, only to diligently grow into a full-band slice of anthemic pop. In fact, there’s a great deal of eclecticism in it, with the song channelling folk and soul influences to deliver a transversal, friendly piece, something that will appeal to a wide audience out there.
It reminds us of some of the best singer-songwriters of the late ‘2000s, the likes of Jamie Cullum and James Blunt, among others. Brown’s vocals possess the same poignant ability, making for a relatable and emotional listening experience – one that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. ‘The Sad Ones’ – as the title suggests – is exceptionally heavy on feeling, calling for self-awareness, acceptance and mental health empowerment.
Hailing from Portland, Shawn Brown seems headed for international fame. ‘The Sad Ones’ is out now via Bootney Lee Records.
Recommended! Discover ‘The Sad Ones’ on Spotify: