“We Should Go” on Divide and Conquer

https://www.divideandconquermusic.com/indie-music-album-reviews/lee-smythe-we-should-go

Earlier this year Lee Smythe received top album honors for his release Of Dreams. The album contained palatable indie rocks gems that were repeat worthy. More recently he released “We Should Go” which is a single.

Smythe’s ability to create an infectious hook is just as apparent here as it was on his album. What I like about Smythe’s songwriting is not only the melodies but his sense of aesthetics. On “We Should Go” he melds striking piano with bass and drums. Some of the aesthetics are in the details. The piano sounds a little like a harpsichord and there seems to be some kind of reverb that surrounds the notes when he hits one.

The descending bass line works wonders on the verse. The groove sounds contemporary but almost with a hint of romantic classical. I was trying to figure out what instrument was making the white noise on the chorus which I felt was an essential ingredient. At any rate, whatever the instrument it works to make the song feel like a certified single and adds to overall emotional resonance.

Lyrically, Smythe builds a very straightforward narrative. This song is essentially a love song and a very optimistic one at that. If he doesn’t paint a tale of true love I’m not sure what is. Smythe also explores the idea of salvation. Lines like, “But your mother hates me, and she loves to tell me so. And people say we don’t fit in, so I’m saying we should go” yearn for a better tomorrow.

​I think this concept is one most people are familiar with. If you’ve ever been young and in love there is a good chance you had a discussion about leaving and starting somewhere anew. It’s an exciting idea based on adventure and possibilities. I would say this song not only captures that with the words but with the instruments that surround it as well.

https://open.spotify.com/album/4PaZxSOtdWicJlXY69Xr7Z?si=sABshrMoRT6YoKqo_h8DHA