Francesco Yates - Call

Download Call here (iTunes)
Stream Call here (external link)

It's right and proper that Canadian singer songwriter Francesco Yates has been popping up on many a "Artists you need to know for 2015" list. I never claim to be ahead of the pack, just to appreciate good music when and wherever I find out - and Call by Francesco is already one of the finest songs you'll hear all the live long year. Granted, it's a good six months old now but like a fine bottle of wine it has just gotten better over time and has all the hallmarks of an enduring classic that generations to come will be discovering for the first time year after year after year. It's a fusion of sounds and influences that is so exquisitely put together that it takes your breath away each time it shimmies onto your stereo - Stax style soul percolates alongside a subtle yet buoyant disco beat whilst elements of 80s synth pop and indie-rock permeate in the background. It's never overcrowded or disjointed however - just a beautiful melding of musical genres that feels fresh and invigorating all over again. Lyrically it starts as a tale of love and romance - that is, until the layers are peeled back and it's the achingly sad scenario of a person being more in love than their non-committal partner. It's a stunning nuanced performance from Francesco whose sweet soulful tones bring out every ounce of pathos and melancholy in those words while clinging onto the emotions from the relationship that provide him with hope and solace (however futile that may turn out to be). The almost euphoric nature of the instrumental almost masks the innate despair of the song but much like life itself it's always lingering in the background - much like the refrain of this excellent song will be after just one spin. Wonderfully done, it's the soundtrack to your most poignant memories and comfort to those sorrowful moments of realisation we hope will never happen. Don't feel too sorry for Mr Yates though - if the critical acclaim pouring in for his music yields the success he deserves then he's got a marvelously rewarding year ahead. And a truly amazing head of hair.