The Script: Satellites – Life-affirming Tribute to Lost Friend
When The Script’s guitarist Mark Sheehan passed away last year, it was not just a bandmate that singer Danny O’Donoghue lost, but a kindred spirit with whom he had bonded over a shared love of American soul music in their teens in Dublin. The duo had worked together as a production team in Los Angeles before forming the band in 2001, making their creative partnership integral to The Script’s sound.
Despite the heavy absence of Sheehan hanging over their latest album, “Satellites,” the band decided to carry on, believing that it was what Mark would have wanted. The result is a surprisingly upbeat and life-affirming record that serves as a fitting tribute to their late friend. Drummer Glen Power describes it as the “light after the darkness,” showcasing the resilience and determination of the group to continue creating music in honor of their fallen comrade.
With Danny and Glen leading the charge alongside bassist Ben Sargent and guitarist Ben Weaver, many of the songs on “Satellites” hearken back to the simple, emotional pop sensibilities of The Script’s self-titled debut album from 2008. The title track, co-written by Sheehan in one of his final sessions, and the poignant “Gone” mourn his passing, reflecting on the fleeting nature of life and loss.
The album also delves into personal themes, with O’Donoghue reflecting on his upbringing on tracks like “Home Is Where The Hurt Is,” while the ballad “At Your Feet” pays homage to another iconic Irish band, U2, with a soaring chorus that is ready for the arena stage. Without Sheehan by his side, O’Donoghue sought the help of outside collaborators like Steve Robson and Wayne Hector, known for their work with popular acts such as Take That and One Direction, adding new elements to The Script’s sound.
Despite a reliance on mid-tempo pop that may cause the album to lose some initial momentum, The Script manages to deliver a strong and heartfelt return with “Satellites,” showcasing their ability to wear their emotions on their sleeves while continuing to evolve their sound.
Morgan Wade: Obsessed – A Powerful New Voice in Country Music
In the ever-growing landscape of country music, Morgan Wade emerges as a powerful new voice with her fourth album, “Obsessed.” Hailing from Virginia, Wade’s unique blend of country and rock influences sets her apart from traditional country artists, having recently completed a North American tour alongside rock icons like Alanis Morissette and Joan Jett.
Wade’s raw and husky vocals, reminiscent of Stevie Nicks and Sheryl Crow, bring a sense of maturity and depth to her music that belies her 29 years. Drawing from personal experiences and struggles, including a high-risk gene mutation diagnosis and battles with alcoholism, she infuses her songs with honesty and vulnerability that resonate with listeners.
Produced by her touring guitarist Clint Wells, “Obsessed” is a collection of self-penned tracks that capture Wade’s journey through life on the road, searching for love and meaning in a world filled with challenges. From the haunting “2AM In London” to the anthemic “Total Control,” Wade showcases her versatility as both a country and rock artist, seamlessly blending genres to create a unique and captivating sound.
One of the album’s standout moments is the duet with pop star Kesha on “Walked On Water,” a poignant reflection on romantic disappointments and self-discovery. Wade’s emotive storytelling and Kesha’s backing vocals elevate the track to new heights, solidifying Wade’s status as a rising star in the country music scene.
With “Obsessed,” Morgan Wade proves that she is a force to be reckoned with, channeling her personal struggles and triumphs into a compelling collection of songs that showcase her talent and artistry.
Best of the New Releases
In addition to The Script’s “Satellites” and Morgan Wade’s “Obsessed,” this week’s new releases also include offerings from Foster The People and Ray LaMontagne.
Foster The People’s latest album, “Paradise State Of Mind,” sees the L.A. duo exploring electronic disco and retro-funk influences in a bid to recapture the success of their hit single “Pumped Up Kicks.” While not every track fully utilizes these influences, the album’s nostalgic vibe shines through on songs like “Lost In Space,” offering a refreshing take on their signature sound.
Ray LaMontagne, known for paving the way for artists like James Morrison and Paolo Nutini, returns with “Long Way Home,” a gritty yet tuneful collection of tracks that showcase his soulful vocals and introspective songwriting. Collaborating with vocal duo The Secret Sisters, LaMontagne delivers heartfelt tunes like “Step Into Your Power” and “And They Called Her California,” exploring themes of self-discovery and reflection.
As the music industry continues to evolve, artists like The Script, Morgan Wade, Foster The People, and Ray LaMontagne remind us of the power of storytelling through music, offering listeners a diverse range of sounds and emotions to connect with. Whether it’s the heartfelt tributes of The Script or the raw honesty of Morgan Wade, these new releases inspire and uplift, showcasing the enduring appeal of music as a universal language of expression and connection.