6th November 2023
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After a few years out of the game, local Liverpool artist John Witherspoon is back with a host of singles clearing the ground before his third album ‘One of Them’ takes flight on 31st October. The latest of which is named ‘My Baby’ and assumes the role of album closer. Despite the seasons changing and autumn’s arrival feeling imminent, this track feels destined for Christmastime.
Starting off gentle with only a vocal and piano present, pieces of the puzzle seem to fit into place as the song develops. A steady beat from the drums joins with easy, shimmering guitar. Once Witherspoon and the band pass ‘The dreaded verse one where the writer is blocked’, the track seems to find a groove and stick to it. Witherspoon’s vocals dip and rise, eventually leading to an inspired chorus. Classic indie lines remain a part of Witherspoon’s repertoire as seen in the role taken by the guitar and bass, neither of which taking on too much responsibility besides their essential melodic duties.
Like much of his other material, there’s a strong dash of 90’s lurking within Witherspoon’s refined sound – from the wistful and uncertain guitar lines to the drum fills, one can imagine the likes of The La’s guiding Witherspoon’s pen when he jot the song down.
While the song’s lyrics do have an air of despondency, something unendingly positive manages to shine through. Perhaps from the way the song builds in its later instrumental bridge the singer feels as if clinging onto something hopeful. With a purposefully ambiguous tone, one can read many conclusions into what the song attempts to express, yet for the listener the track will surely be grouped in the ‘lovesick ballad’ category. That may feel like a type of song overdone in popular music, yet Witherspoon manages to retain some personal identity. From crooning of his own writers block to asking the recipient whether they ‘take sugar’ (with their tea, one can infer), there’s an element of personality that clings on.
Overall, the track impresses. While it does not achieve any monumental boundary pushes in the genre (nor does it aim to), there’s enough charm evident to push aside such aspersions and enjoy the melody. The track is in known territory, but that’s not always a bad thing.
To listen to the track on Spotify, click here!
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