Unsung Artists: Ben Howard

We are always looking for songs. We allow ourselves to emotionally connect to a song and see our lives in other’s music and lyrics. When something significant happens or takes control of our feelings, we look for someone to sing it back to us. We make friends and memories and work through emotions by listening to music. As a result, we’re always searching for a new artist that makes us shake our head in agreement, we feel you, we understand.

Ben Howard is an artist that has songs you can connect to, no matter what you are feeling. A phenomenon across the pond, England already knows of Ben Howard’s song writing power. He’s not only won two Brit awards (a more relaxed, fun version of the Grammys) for Breakthrough Artist and Solo Male Artist, but he’s won the hearts of those across the Atlantic. Now is Howard’s time to steal America’s heart, and with lyrics so soul-bearing and music so simply beautiful, it won’t be a challenging process.

One song that you may be searching for is a testament to the wonderful summer past. Ben Howard has that. “Old Pine” will make you crave those long days spent basking in the sun. This tune will have you smiling as you remember all the new friends and memories made.
“Old Pine” is one of my favorites off of Howard’s debut album, Every Kingdom. It features a soft but happy melody and truly lovely lyrics reminiscing about the summertime:

Hot sand on toes, cold sand in sleeping bags,
I’ve come to know that memories
Were the best things you ever had

The summer shone beat down on bony backs
So far from home where the ocean stood
Down dust and pinecone tracks.

 

If a summer tune is not what you are looking for, try one of Howard’s more heart wrenching songs. All situations- love lost, love found, love forgotten, can benefit from taking a listen to “Gracious”.

“Gracious” uses some of the most stunning metaphors for love, which makes this song stand out as one of the most haunting ballads on the album:

           Cause you said ours were the lighthouse towers
The sun upon that place
Darling I’ll grow weary, happy still
With just the memory of your face
Gracious goes the ghost of you
And I will never
Forget the plans and the silhouettes you drew here and
Gracious goes the ghost of you
My dear

“I Will Be Blessed” showcases Howard’s skillful acoustic plucking alongside his equally impressive ability for writing poignant and memorable lyrics.

“I Will Be Blessed” is found on the Extended Version of Every Kingdom and shares every quality that songs of the original release have: reflective, easily relatable, and riveting.

Oh if you’re there
When the world comes to gather me in
Oh if you’re there
I will be blessed
I will be blessed

For More Ben Howard:
Twitter: ben howard music
Facebook
Official Website
Spotify 

 

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