Steve Mann - The Day I Lost Your Smile
Pop, Easy Listening
California, United States
Overall Impression: Songwriter/producer Steve Mann delivers a heart wrenching work of melancholic contemporary chamber pop with his release of "The Day I Lost Your Smile." Mann relays a haunting tale of innocence lost set to a gripping melody contributed by composer John Massari, his soft baritone backed by delicate piano and sparse hybrid electronic/organic percussion that reflect the themes of separation and longing presented in the lyrics. Dense synth clusters round out the arrangement, adding sweeping gravitas to a simply gorgeous bridge section. Steve Mann's "The Day I Lost Your Smile" should have little trouble attracting an audience among art pop and indie pop fans, particularly with those who favor slightly somber material.
Strongest Point(s): Outstanding production, excellent mix. Good tonal balance. Great atmosphere, both chilling and compelling. Fantastic sound design. Nice blend of percussion elements. Piano sounds great, brilliant repeated motif that both outlines the melody and provides the counterpoint. The bridge offers a wonderful diversion, excellent harmonic contrast and melodic variation. Lovely vocal performance, it has a hushed intensity that's sure to engage listeners. Striking lyrical content, vivid and emotive, perfectly matched to the music. Overall, it's a spectacular song and a stunning production. Very nice work all around!
Target Audience Appeal: Fans of Pop, Contemporary Pop, Adult Alternative, Indie Pop, Art Pop, Chamber Pop, Contemporary Singer/Songwriter
Artist target suggestions: Leonard Cohen, Scott Walker, Nick Drake, Morrisey, Gordon Lightfoot, Richard Thompson, Nick Cave, Tindersticks, Rufus Wainwright, The Divine Comedy, Brian Wilson
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About the Reviewer:
Steven Azami is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Both as a touring/session player and as a producer, his career has spanned nearly every genre, from bluegrass to jazz, from rock to reggae. In addition, his work as a music educator has allowed him to cultivate and foster talent among the next generation of musical explorers