Artist: Andy Michaels
Album: ‘Incendiary Heart’
Surviving a distressing experiences can often spark a passion in people that motivates them to reexamine their path in life. That’s certainly true for musician Andy Michaels, who’s known for his inspiring journey from being involved in an incapacitating car accident as a teenager to becoming a famous pop singer-songwriter. After receiving praise for last year’s ground breaking album, ‘Revisited,’ Michaels delivered another powerful and melodic record, ‘Incendiary Heart,’ last spring.
The Perth, Australia-based musician’s new 14 track, eclectic adult contemporary album features thought-provoking and visionary lyrics that illicit a musically nostalgic feeling from the 1970s and ’80s. The songs also intertwine that retro lyricism with emotional melodies and memorable, spellbinding country, rock and pop arrangements. The overall powerful and insightful presentation of the tunes sets Michaels apart within the music industry, as they take every listener into a deep and soul reflecting journey of their own.
All of the entries on ‘Incendiary Heart’ are confessional and personal for the singer, whose crooning is as soulful and impassioned as Cat Stevens’ voice. Michaels skillfully infuses the trademark sounds of traditional folk and modern pop into the songs of his latest record, while he also infuses expansive and theatrical elements into his sound, which rival the music of Pink Floyd and David Bowie.
The heartfelt, emotional powerhouse that is ‘Incendiary Heart’ also creates an everlasting atmospheric and ethereal quality. That empowering aspect is first showcased on the first track on Michaels’ new album, ‘Darling It Hurts.’ Featuring light vocals from the musician that are supported by striking and impressive female harmonies, the tune contemplates heartbreak. Also guided by a soulful, island-tropic vibe on the ukulele, strings and piano, the musician proclaims that he thought his connection was strong. But the bond is ultimately playing with his mind, as it isn’t meant to truly last.
‘Darling It Hurts’ then transitions into the record’s sophomore track, ‘Only Love Knows the Meaning of Goodbye.’ The compelling, brooding strumming from the acoustic guitar pulls listeners in to relate to the song, which features a dramatic arrangement. The emotional tune, on which Michaels’ vocals are reminiscent of Sting’s voice, questions if the person he was involved with misses him, now that she knows they’re free from each other.
One of the most noteworthy entries on ‘Incendiary Heart’ is its title track, which is the fifth song on the album, and features Tiarna Madison. The narrative encourages audiences to embrace their romantic connections, and believe that true love can actually exist, and be indestructible. Supported by a soulful violin, the powerful lyrics and vocals from both Michaels and Madison has a unique repeatability factor, that can help make it an adult contemporary hit on the radio.
Another noteworthy tune on Michaels’ latest record is the ninth entry, ‘The Flame,’ which features Kerry Ironside. Supported by an unforgettable country acoustic guitar, the song questions what makes people want, and choose, to be hurt when it’s easier to be happy. After also pondering what makes people want to live, and how a special friendship lasts, the singers ponder whether knowing the answers to such life-changing questions would it really help people move on.
‘Incendiary Heart’ begins to wind down with its emotional penultimate track, ‘I Can Fly.’ The musician reflect on his life and how his experiences have helped him mature, as he also contemplates going back home and seeing the person he loves during his times of pain.
‘I Can Fly’ is succeeded by the last entry on Michaels’ new album, ‘Planet 8,’ which features Sharon Court. The industrial-infused electronic beats, which are intriguingly interwoven with the acoustic guitar, create an uplifting, sci-fi-driven tune that has universal appeal. The fantastical beat and instrumentation are the perfect backdrop for Michaels’ gritty vocals, which reflect on the dangers of an ever-changing society.
Surviving a distressing experiences can often spark a passion in people that motivates them to reexamine their path in life. That’s certainly true for Michaels, who shared his inspiring journey about how being involved in an incapacitating car accident as a teenager helped him become a pop songwriter-songwriter. Michaels is once again sharing his life-altering trek on his latest powerful and melodic record.
The eclectic ‘Incendiary Heart’ album features thought-provoking and visionary lyrics that illicit a musically nostalgic feeling from the 1970s and ’80s. The songs also intertwine that retro lyricism with emotional melodies and mesmerizing country, rock and pop arrangements. The overall powerful and insightful presentation of the tunes sets Michaels apart within the music industry, as they take every listener into a deep and soul reflecting journey of their own.
For more information on Michaels, visit his official website, as well as his Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
