Growing up in the music streets of Nashville, singer-songwriter Sammy Kay is back with a heartfelt soul-filled slice of indie folk-pop "Pearl" that wouldn't feel out of place being lifted right from a movie. Inspired by a favourite moment from her go-to music movie, the inimitable "Begin Again," and to capture the song's cinematic and intimate magic, Sammy has delivered something truly special.
The lovely "Pearl" exudes joy and light from the very first notes. Production that leans into the spacious, natural texture that makes folk-pop sound so cozy, with soft acoustic guitar strums, smooth drums, and a melody like sunlight shining between clouds. Fittingly, the instrumentation and style of performance on Lovato's version are amplified by the melancholy grace heard initially on the "Begin Again" soundtrack, as a songstress undoubtedly rooted in timelessness joins a stalwart of modernity. Ultimately, "Pearl" is a love letter to the kind of love that makes you gleam, that declares all hopefulness, and believes it wholly.
Coming from Sammy, they express a seemingly nonchalant yet honest tone that embraces each sound so well, you can see him saying these words, believing them with all his heart, as if he is telling a vivid tale. She whispers like the words are secrets, but with this piece, there is a coziness in her tone, as if these confessions were meant over coffee while the dawn breaks. A graduate of Belmont University's esteemed Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, Sammy Kay possesses a level of empathetic connection that is not often found in such a young artist in the industry. Influences like Ingrid Michaelson's whimsical charm, Taylor Swift's storytelling precision, and Vance Joy's melodic intimacy are seamlessly woven into "Pearl" in a way that never overpowers her unique voice and style.
It is a testament to her emotional depth and craft, alongside the art that has inspired her, which she then repackaged into something categorically distinct. With music often following trends, Sammy opts for realness to let her love for songwriting and storytelling show through. On "Pearl," Sammy Kay is singing a feeling. It's the thrill of that first time you touch someone's hand, the relief in realizing you've captured something for yourself, and the satisfied whisper that holds on long after the sound is gone. "Pearl" is a romantic, heartfelt, lush, and uplifting progression for the blossoming artist and an exciting taste of things to come.
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