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Sean McConnell – ‘A Horrible Beautiful Dream’ review

Sean McConnell is one of the most talented artists in music right now and itā€™s criminal that he doesnā€™t get more recognition. As a songwriter heā€™s had a hand in hits for the likes of Brett Young, Little Big Town Brad Paisley, and as an artist in his own right, heā€™s released nine studio albums over the last 21 years. His last album, ā€˜Secondhand Smokeā€™, was released in 2019 and he spent a considerable amount of time promoting it here in the UK, building on the growing fanbase he has here. Two years on from that album and McConnell is back with the appropriately titled ā€˜A Horrible Beautiful Dreamā€™, which pretty much describes how we all feel about the pandemic.

Known for his ability to reach into your soul with his music, McConnell resonates stronger than ever on ā€˜A Horrible Beautiful Dreamā€™. Possessing a voice that deeply effecting and packed with emotion, McConnell has the ability to grab your attention, make you feel all the feelings, and often shed a tear. Heā€™s such a powerful songwriter and vocalist, you canā€™t help but be moved by his music. On ā€˜A Horrible Beautiful Dreamā€™, McConnell is searching for the positive during whatā€™s been a very difficult time. Opening track ā€˜I Still Believe In Youā€™ is an affirmation that no matter how dark life gets, thereā€™s always someone in your corner thatā€™s cheering you on. McConnellā€™s voice is striking over an acoustic guitar melody and the song starts the record off on an optimistic note.

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Across the album, McConnell pulls in all of his different influences and continues to forge his own path musically. ā€˜Price of Loveā€™ is a more traditional Country song with a soulful vocal, while the stunning ā€˜Leave The Light Onā€™ brings in gospel influences for one of the albumā€™s most stirring moments.

There are also a handful of guest appearances too including The Wood Brothers on the bluesy ā€˜The 13th Apostleā€™, Fancy Hagood on the album highlight ā€˜What The Hell Is Wrong With Meā€™ and Natalie Hemby on the gorgeous ā€˜Waiting To Be Movedā€™. Of the collaborations the piano-led ā€˜As the Curtain Came Downā€™ featuring Audra Mae and Dan Tyminski is the standout. Itā€™s a great example of how McConnell is able to use collaborators without taking anything away from the song still being distinctly his. His vocal on the track is deeply moving and one you wonā€™t forget.

Elsewhere on the record ā€˜I Built You Upā€™ is a slice of pure soul with McConnellā€™s voice reaching incredible heights as he sings about putting pressure on someone to be the person he wants, ā€˜The Wonder Yearsā€™ is a meditation on coming-of-age, and ā€˜Used To Think I Knewā€™ reflects on personal growth and gaining life experience. The final song on the record, ā€˜Remember Youā€™re Hereā€™, is a stripped-down moment that hones on in McConnellā€™s remarkable abilities as a storyteller as he reminds you to appreciate all of lifeā€™s moments and never take them for granted.

ā€˜A Horrible Beautiful Dreamā€™ is an absolutely stunning album. McConnell manages to affect me in ways that so few artists can and he deserves to be ruling the charts. As a live performer heā€™s one of the finest too and I canā€™t wait to hear these songs live when he next gets to the UK. If youā€™ve not checked out McConnell yet, this album would be a very good introduction.

Track listing: 1. I Still Believe In You 2. Price of Love 3. The 13th Apostle (feat. The Wood Brothers) 4. Nothing Anymore 5. The Wonder Years 6. What The Hell Is Wrong With Me (feat. Fancy Hagood) 7. Waiting To Be Moved (feat. Natalie Hemby) 8. I Built You Up 9. Used To Think I Knew 10. Leave the Light On 11. Getting Somewhere 12. As the Curtain Came Down (feat. Audra Mae & Dan Tyminski) 13. Remember Youā€™re Here Record label: Silent Desert / Soundly Music Release date: 6th August 2021 Buy ā€˜A Horrible Beautiful Dreamā€™ now

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Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip is the owner and Editor of Entertainment Focus, and the Managing Director of PiƱata Media. With over 19 years of journalism experience, Pip has interviewed some of the biggest stars in the entertainment world. He is also a qualified digital marketing expert with over 20 years of experience.

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