Amanda Shires, an acclaimed American singer, has unveiled her latest single “Lately” from her soon-to-be-released album Nobody’s Girl, set to hit the shelves this Friday, September 26th. Alongside the single’s release, fans can find a captivating lyric video on Shires’ YouTube channel.
The video elegantly displays the lyrics against moody night-time imagery underscored by shades of blue and white, complementing the jazzy, introspective undertone of the track. Shires describes the song as a reflection of the emotional limbo where one isn’t entirely alright yet not falling apart, an exploration of the blues through its own essence, seeking optimism amidst the melancholy. She articulates, “It’s about that in-between place where you’re not okay, but you’re not falling apart either… you’re just wandering, looking for something to hold on to.” The lyrics, such as “I’d try anything to get back to laughing, to get back to smiling,” encapsulate the persistent search for solace and joy during challenging emotional phases.
Musically, “Lately” captures this theme of emotional suspension, combining elements such as ballad-like piano segments and moody saxophone interludes with upbeat percussion and guitar. This arrangement keeps the song from being overtly somber while not fully uplifting. Shires’ vocal performance adds depth to the emotional narrative with strategic use of tremolos that evoke the raw struggle of trying to transcend emotional heaviness.
“Lately” marks the third single from Nobody’s Girl, intensifying anticipation for the full album release. With a compelling blend of lyrical contemplation and melodic nuance, Shires continues to resonate with listeners navigating the complexities of emotion.