Sean McConnell is one of the most talented artists in music right now and itās criminal that he doesnāt get more recognition. As a songwriter heās had a hand in hits for the likes of Brett Young, Little Big Town Brad Paisley, and as an artist in his own right, heās released nine studio albums over the last 21 years. His last album, āSecondhand 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 āA 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 āA 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. Heās such a powerful songwriter and vocalist, you canāt help but be moved by his music. On āA Horrible Beautiful Dreamā, McConnell is searching for the positive during whatās been a very difficult time. Opening track āI Still Believe In Youā is an affirmation that no matter how dark life gets, thereās always someone in your corner thatās cheering you on. McConnellās voice is striking over an acoustic guitar melody and the song starts the record off on an optimistic note.
Across the album, McConnell pulls in all of his different influences and continues to forge his own path musically. āPrice of Loveā is a more traditional Country song with a soulful vocal, while the stunning āLeave The Light Onā brings in gospel influences for one of the albumās most stirring moments.
There are also a handful of guest appearances too including The Wood Brothers on the bluesy āThe 13th Apostleā, Fancy Hagood on the album highlight āWhat The Hell Is Wrong With Meā and Natalie Hemby on the gorgeous āWaiting To Be Movedā. Of the collaborations the piano-led āAs the Curtain Came Downā featuring Audra Mae and Dan Tyminski is the standout. Itās 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 wonāt forget.
Elsewhere on the record āI Built You Upā is a slice of pure soul with McConnellās voice reaching incredible heights as he sings about putting pressure on someone to be the person he wants, āThe Wonder Yearsā is a meditation on coming-of-age, and āUsed To Think I Knewā reflects on personal growth and gaining life experience. The final song on the record, āRemember Youāre Hereā, is a stripped-down moment that hones on in McConnellās remarkable abilities as a storyteller as he reminds you to appreciate all of lifeās moments and never take them for granted.
āA 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 heās one of the finest too and I canāt wait to hear these songs live when he next gets to the UK. If youāve 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 Youāre Here Record label: Silent Desert / Soundly Music Release date: 6th August 2021 Buy āA Horrible Beautiful Dreamā now
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