Dropped on October 2nd, ‘Amen,’ is the third single release in the run up to Tom Grennan’s second album, which is due to be out on March 5th next year. Speaking to NME, Grennan describes ‘Amen,’ as ‘a song about being in an internal battle, whether that’s with yourself, something or someone else.’ The song has been met with a positive response online, reaching 17k views on YouTube in the few days since its release.
The song’s title and lyrical content are supported by the musical arrangement in the chorus where layered backing vocals and call and response techniques are used to create a gospel feel. The sections in the song are contrasting with the verses allowing vocals to take the forefront, with only a few chords played on a piano or strummed on an acoustic guitar and hand claps and clicks marking the backbeat. The chorus takes a step up in the dynamic with the entry of simple, supportive drums and additional vocals.
The song’s stripped back, acoustic style is suitable for an autumn release and has benefited from a laid back version for Radio 1’s Piano Sessions. The focus in this release it Grennan’s unique and gravelly vocal performance which stands out amongst the sparse arrangement. While the theme of religion is key to the tune’s expressive chorus, this is used more as a metaphor for the variety of things which people put their faith in.
Thank you for having me down for the Piano Session @BBCR1 @philytaggart here’s my new single AMEN https://t.co/nyRki4rz8P pic.twitter.com/y2KJa64nVY
— Tom Grennan (@Tom_Grennan) October 6, 2020
The influence of Gospel and Rhythm and Blues can be felt throughout this track, especially in Grennan’s approach to singing which is at once passionate and deeply powerful. It is a trade mark of Rhythm and Blues music to have strong, emotional vocal performances and lyrics of a deeply personal nature, both of which Grennan achieves in this song. On top of this, the use of handclaps through the verses to mark the backbeat and the simple drums in the chorus show a mature understanding of rhythm and the vocal phrasing shows a good feel for where the pulse lies at all times.
The positive response to the single may be in part due to the online performance Grennan recorded at Brixton Academy to support the release and album release announcement later that day. According to Clash Music, streamers ‘were treated to well-loved songs from Grennan’s debut album ‘Lighting Matches,’ and new songs too.’ ‘Lighting Matches,’ was released on 6th July 2018 and spent 3 weeks in the UK top 40, according to the Official Charts. Performing live streamed gigs is becoming more and more common amongst UK musicians who are using it as a way to continue performing despite very limiting restrictions on social gatherings.
Speaking about the new album, Radio X reports Grennan’s social media announcement which explained that ‘Evering Road,’ is an address in Clapton where ‘Grennan lived with his ex.‘ and it is a fitting title since he describes the whole album as ‘all about a past relationship.’ The album promises to be an honest look into the like of one of the UK’s most sensitive songwriters and powerful vocalists. The emotional singer songwriter is certainly looking to be a common trope with Grennan in good company of artists such as Lewis Capaldi working in a similar style and achieving great success.
