Photo Courtesy of J. Nicholas Allard’s Instagram
When I find myself in need of inspiration, I go for a drive. These drives don’t last long, and I usually don’t have a destination in mind when I leave, but that doesn’t really matter. What I’m looking for on these drives is the rhythmic lull of the car and the road, pulling me towards an idea or feeling that I was struggling to grasp before.
“To Be on a Star”, one of J. Nicholas Allard’s latest releases, reminds me of that feeling with its smooth melody and strong vocals.
Allard’s love of West African blues comes through subtly in the track with his use of bongos and other acoustic instruments, creating an emotion and rhythm that is reminiscent of an era where romance was tougher, angrier and even a bit sexier.
Lyrics that dare his lover to break his heart encourages listeners to feel the challenge and excitement of love again.
Although “To Be on a Star” is deeply different from Allard’s other tracks, which feel closer to progressive rock than to blues, the song does not feel misplaced on his discography. Instead, “To Be on a Star” serves as a unique reminder that Allard is a man of many musical talents.
I went for a drive recently and, as I often do, put on some music to calm me down after a long day. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t singing along to To Be on a Star the entire time.
“We are like butterflies who flutter for a day and think it is forever.” — Carl Sagan
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