Beth Keens - Built To Last (written by Ben Tompsett)

Find out more about the MGSO4 Festival the song was written for here (external site)

I am an absolute sucker for an inspiring, theatrically influenced pop tune. Take One Moment In Time by Whitney Houston. There is a reason that this song (and others of it's ilk) are called classics. They use a tried and tested songwriting formula that has lasted through the ages - a focus on lyrics the listener can relate to, a sense of stirring hope and optimism that is embedded into every nuanced moment of the music, and melodies that soar and linger long after the song has reached it's satisfying conclusion. The formula might be tried and tested, but the tunes never feel derivative. They may eschew the music trends of the time, but when the fads are other the songs are still standing. One Moment In Time still feels epic and glorious to this day. Which is why people will be talking about Beth Keens' Built To Last in the same way in twenty years time. Written and produced by Ben Tompsett, it's a wonderfully crafted piece of music that will stir your senses and soothe the soul. Lyrically, it's all about having the confidence to believe in yourself and the courage to let your voice be heard (and follow your dreams). The words are just the medicine for anyone feeling down, or who has been put down by others. The way Beth sings them, with an increasing passion and power (as if drawing strength from the narrative as the song moves forward) instills in the listener the conviction that no-one can make themselves feel taller just by making someone else feel small. Insults and discouragement may hurt, but Beth takes Ben's exquisitely chosen prose to help waken that inner-voice we all have that is our own personal cheerleader. The musical arrangement Beth works within is simple but ever so effective. A languorous guitar riff dances perfectly alongside a shimmering percussion, like sun rays glistening off the ocean on a radiant summer's day.The melody is a gift from the pop gods - one that works well as an elevating smash the likes of Whitney, Mariah, Celine et al would be mighty jealous of; or alternatively as a brilliantly rousing soliloquy in a rapturous stage musical. The strings that join the score in the final moments are the icing on the cake - enhancing an already sensational number. A daily affirmation for sure - it's not only an exalting anthem but a public service announcement in it's own right. And it came into my life just when I needed it. Magnificent.