Featured Single: Olivia Barnes – “Reds” (Early song of the year candidate)

Olivia Barnes – “Reds”
-I intended on pairing this track with a few other singer songwriter and Americana types (like usual), but this song just kept standing out. It doesn’t fit because it has such an exceptional quality to it. Maybe I just relate really well to the lyrics (likening a relationship to an addiction to Marlboro reds) and the loved ones in my life… maybe it’s because there’s a charm to the vocal that feels like I’ve been listening to it my whole life… maybe it’s a depth and connection that I just can’t name that comes from deep in my soul. No matter what it is, this is just an outstanding song. Barnes writes with a wit and style that is rare, allowing the guitars and harmonica to create this vibe that almost invites the listener to sit back to enjoy. It’s like sitting in the local bar (or, more realistically, in a park) to listen to someone tell their story. That 45 second first swing into the chorus is absolutely AMAZING. Consider me captured by this one. I put it on my list of song of the year candidates and I won’t be at all surprised if I’m writing about this one again in 10 months. Spin it, friends.