"Oxygen," the latest single from Gerrit Winter, is so much more than a song that transcends soothing breath for anyone who has found themselves carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. Taken from his debut EP, this third single is an Adult Contemporary Dream Pop track that draws you into a world where emotion and melody merge seamlessly. Starting with the initial riffs, "Oxygen" envelops you in waves of ease and community.
The song threads through the small but significant moments in life, from the annoyance of lost keys to the sadness of gloomy days, and the subtle, changing influence of human relationships. Winter lyrics and music become a story, but they also evoke feelings and connect with everyone who needs encouragement every day. Winter mentions a special grace one gets from the people or circumstances that give us strength when we feel nearly empty. "Oxygen" is the ease that creeps in slower than an endlessly long night. He carries that grace with him, everything he does in a way that is part frankness and part benevolence. It evokes his personal thoughts but functions as an inspirational and courageous sounding board for us all to navigate through the highs and lows of life, concluding with a message of hope.
From a musical standpoint, the song is built on rich, complex melodies and a chorus you simply cannot help but belt out with him. Tinted with Dream Pop textures that glisten, embodying a kind of ethereality mirroring the essence, accessibility, and renewal of the track itself. The production is mature and appreciative, allowing Winter's personal soft spots to take center stage. At 42 years of age, Gerrit Winter proves that it is never too late to chase your dreams, and "Oxygen" is a fine entry point to legitimate and relatable creativity. It is not just a love song, but of recovery, of hope, and those small yet monumental, gratifying moments that make life seem you can live it again.