Gavin DeGraw is honoring everyday heroes in the new music video for his love-as-a-battlefield anthem, "Soldier," the third single from his remarkable latest fourth studio album, "Sweeter," which is more radio-ready, heart-on-the sleeve pop that is pleasant enough but feels too inconsequential for an artist four records into his career. The video builds to a climax as the group gathers for a silent march with candles in hand with the meaningful message.
DeGraw definitely has a female-friendly reputation as a lover, not a fighter. But he's got more moxie than his image might suggest. The 35-year-old acclaimed pop-rock and adult contemporary musician is an excellent singer, with a hint of grit in his tenor that tips power ballads like "Soldier" toward soul music. The devoted love anthem was described by DeGraw as a "really beautiful sentiment." This potential wedding song finds DeGraw promising his girl everlasting love, and when she needs someone he'll always be there fighting for her. "Soldier" sounds just a little too tailor-made to serenade tuxes and gowns with its promises of eternal protection.
DeGraw does make further attempts at breaking away from his constrained, melodic pop rock other than the album's title track. "Soldier" is a soulful, rousing number that really shows off the dexterity of DeGraw's vocals, simply relying on a clapping beat and the ever present piano. It is by no means a drastic departure, but it is evidence of DeGraw approaching his sound with more thought than ever before. The racier moments are balanced out by more emotionally transparent songs like the uplifting "Soldier." which convey vulnerability while still managing to feel distinctly masculine.
Despite its title, DeGraw's "Soldier" is not about war, but instead deals with going the extra mile to help someone you love. The Carl Diebold-directed video picks up on that theme by shining the spotlight on regular folks doing heroic things for people in need. DeGraw is seen playing piano in the rain and singing, "When you get worried, I'll be your soldier," but the focus is on the cast of heroes. Among those featured are a few extraordinary yet incredibly regular people who are leading by example. They're fire fighters, people caring for ill family members and school teachers - the soldiers you sometimes forget to thank but DeGraw is making sure you remember their good deeds.
DeGraw definitely has a female-friendly reputation as a lover, not a fighter. But he's got more moxie than his image might suggest. The 35-year-old acclaimed pop-rock and adult contemporary musician is an excellent singer, with a hint of grit in his tenor that tips power ballads like "Soldier" toward soul music. The devoted love anthem was described by DeGraw as a "really beautiful sentiment." This potential wedding song finds DeGraw promising his girl everlasting love, and when she needs someone he'll always be there fighting for her. "Soldier" sounds just a little too tailor-made to serenade tuxes and gowns with its promises of eternal protection.
DeGraw does make further attempts at breaking away from his constrained, melodic pop rock other than the album's title track. "Soldier" is a soulful, rousing number that really shows off the dexterity of DeGraw's vocals, simply relying on a clapping beat and the ever present piano. It is by no means a drastic departure, but it is evidence of DeGraw approaching his sound with more thought than ever before. The racier moments are balanced out by more emotionally transparent songs like the uplifting "Soldier." which convey vulnerability while still managing to feel distinctly masculine.
Despite its title, DeGraw's "Soldier" is not about war, but instead deals with going the extra mile to help someone you love. The Carl Diebold-directed video picks up on that theme by shining the spotlight on regular folks doing heroic things for people in need. DeGraw is seen playing piano in the rain and singing, "When you get worried, I'll be your soldier," but the focus is on the cast of heroes. Among those featured are a few extraordinary yet incredibly regular people who are leading by example. They're fire fighters, people caring for ill family members and school teachers - the soldiers you sometimes forget to thank but DeGraw is making sure you remember their good deeds.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment