Posted by The highly anticipated follow up album to Top 5 debut album ‘Lighting Matches’ is finally here. ‘Evering Road’ is the most confessional work we have heard from Tom Grennan so far. Named after the road that he lived on with his ex, this collection of songs centres around the tricky split with his ex-girlfriend, and the lessons learned from that relationship.
His latest single ‘Make My Mind Up’ will resonate with us all, it’s that moment of reflection when you realise you have reached a crossroads within a relationship and questioning what the best thing is to do.
With his distinctive gravelly voice, Tom exudes emotion and uses his skilful storytelling to own the mistakes made in his relationship and how doing so has helped him be a better person as a result. ‘If Only’ and ‘Something Better’ really set the tone of the album and are standout tracks.
‘It Hurts’ is a piano-led open letter to his ex-rebuking them for talking about their situation. “The people who try to sit on your throne, throw kisses then punches, throw flowers then stones. It hurts, when your name is in the dirt…”
The pain and regret are evident and not necessarily just for his part in the relationship. ‘Never Be A Right Time’ is all about the beginning of the end of the relationship; he sings, “Sit me down and tell me straight, cos’ it feels like you are drifting away…”
Whilst pain and regret are strong themes, there is also hope and positivity too. ‘Second Time’ lingers on the line: “Hoping that your heart will let you fall in love for a second time…”
‘Amen’ is a gospel-inspired track and no doubt will be a popular sing-along when performed live, but despite its good intentions, it feels a tad out of place within this body of work.
This feels like it wasn’t just a series of songs to say he is sorry, this is all about purging his guilt, reinventing himself and having a much-needed fresh start giving this a more mature, evolved sound.
Tom Grennan always does emotionally stirring soul pop well, but ‘Evering Road’ takes this to the next level.
8/10
Words: Emma Harrison
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