A resonating acoustic album released today from Nathaniel Paul, Steady as We Go weaves heartfelt vocals, melodic acoustic guitar, and sporadic harmonica additions within memorable thematic pursuits. The album embraces the beauty in imperfection and simply living — using storytelling, whether in depictions of personal strife or marveling at nature and the world, with impactful consistency. The album was recorded between sessions for Give Love Away, an upcoming album between Paul’s band The Bergamot and the Notre Dame Children’s Choir, set to release on August 22nd.
Themes of optimism and perseverance shine on opening track “Over the Water,” which quickly showcases Paul’s compelling songwriting. “The sun will rise, and the river runs another day,” Paul’s vocals ascend into gorgeous harmonica infusions following the steady acoustic-driven immersion. The ensuing “When Stars Weep” continues to dazzle with trickling acoustics and harmonica additions, though set within a graver introspection — wondering if even stars weep when confronted with the weight of the world. The album’s opening one-two punch compels in its gentle folk appeal and thematic balancing of melancholy and optimism, reflective of life’s dynamic journey.
Many highlights envelop across Steady as We Go. One example is “Beauty that We See,” beckoning to “just close your eyes” and “head to the water line” to get in touch with nature — whether it’s the sun or ocean, respectively. The mid-point stirs in its multi-vocal “growing up” sentiments, pairing more serious aspects of living and growing older with beholding the beauty of existence — and beholding things such as the sun, ocean, and “the beauty that we see” in general. An acoustic version of previously featured standout track “The Girl with No Tattoo” is another gem. Steady as We Go is a display in high-quality, no-frills songwriting captivation from Nathaniel Paul.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
