Samm Henshaw and KIRBY Explore Heartache and Vulnerability in Soulful New Track “Fade”

British singer-songwriter Samm Henshaw and KIRBY put a bittersweet twist on love in “Fade.” Produced by Jonah Christian and Josh Grant, this track dives deep into the messiness of love and heartache, mixing Henshaw’s retro-soul flair with KIRBY’s haunting voice.

KIRBY lays it all out in the opener, singing, “Pardon me for being frank / I’ve got an ocean / Over folks who wouldn’t look into me.” Right away, the weight of unreciprocated emotions pulls you in. KIRBY‘s voice is like a gentle wave, carrying you through her sea of feelings. The part of the chorus where Samm and KIRBY harmonize “Was I ever really sure / Lie to me / Tell me was I insecure/ Don’t lie to me,” feels like a desperate plea for comfort, even if it’s built on lies. This mix of seeking reassurance and battling insecurity highlights their shared vulnerability in a shaky relationship.

Henshaw’s verse adds another twist, reminiscing about the early days of the romance and how it all went south: “I was alright when things started / Better off not thinking this would save me/ Driving down a dead road regardless” He captures fleeting joy overshadowed by unmet expectations. “Can’t ignore all the stop signs / Didn’t notice til it got heavy,” he sings, showing how issues creep in unnoticed until they’re too big to ignore.

The hook, “The more we try / To hold this together / We break from the pressure / We fade from the pleasure,” reflects the heartbreaking duality of love – how the struggle to hold on can sometimes tear a couple apart. The stripped-down production brings attention to these raw sentiments which hits all the more deeply when the two-word refrain “We fade…” arrives, signaling a somber acceptance of the reality of where their connection now stands. In the video, directed by Timi Akindele-Ajani, we get a peek into a couple’s therapy session from a skylight window. The air is heavy with tension and distance, and as the scene heats up with an argument, the couple finds a quiet resolution by the end.

“Fade” is a beautifully bluesy and bittersweet number, poised to elevate Samm Henshaw to new heights on everyone’s “artists to watch” list. The track’s emotional honesty and rich, soulful texture make it an unforgettable listen. It captures the essence of soul music’s capacity to convey profound personal stories.

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