Emotional Intelligence is at the core of this sensational singer-songwriter’s exquisite musicality.
At twenty-five, Connor Daly has the world at his feet. “Colours Fade” is his debut full-length album, but he has an entire catalogue of stunning songs. Raised playing sports, Daly was a Virginia High School state champion in discus, and he competed in track and field events throughout his college days at George Mason University. Alongside his athletic pursuits, Daly played classical guitar, developing a cascading fingerpicking style that is very evident in this album’s pristine, almost orchestral musicality. Utilising a traditional range of instruments, including bass, acoustic and electric guitars, fiddle, mandolin, piano, and keys, several musicians contribute to this contemporary collection of striking original songs, the diversity keeping the resulting sound fresh.
Despite his relative youthfulness, Daly maturely analyses a full spectrum of human experiences in these songs while successfully avoiding maudling melodies. Even when the subject is hard-hitting, as in the first song on the album ‘Ain’t Got A Cape‘. This delicate song about not being able to help someone spiralling into a dark place and eventually taking their own life has a beautifully simple guitar intro that grabs your attention immediately. With moving fiddle playing threading through, the song is sensitive yet robust and demonstrates Daly’s thoughtful human scrutiny. The song is dramatised in a gripping, high-quality video accentuating the situation’s incredible sadness; brace yourself and look it up.
Daly often charmingly references nature and the seasons in his writing, such as in the uplifting song ‘She’s My Summer Sky‘. This lovingly lyrical song features a gorgeous blend of guitars & fiddle, giving it a bright, feel-good factor. In ‘Roots‘, a touching ode to his late father, Daly makes several personal declarations, which, together with a memorable melody and graceful electric guitar, make this a fabulously eloquent song.
‘Fake One Tear‘ is one of the many highlights. The only co-write on the album, this heartbreaking duet featuring Mary Heather Hickman is about a relationship that has run its course, although the protagonist didn’t see the end coming. Hickman’s distinctive, distinguished vocals bring a moving reality to an already vivid setting. Again, this song strikes a chord with its aptly sensitive melody and the delicate combination of stringed instruments. Look up the sensational live performance.
‘You in Tennessee‘ follows and is a bright, upbeat song about Daly and his excitement for life at the age of twenty-three. It is another song with a sensational, essentially orchestral sound. ‘Colors Fade‘, the song the album takes its title from, returns to the subject of breaking up. This time, however, there is a reluctant but sophisticated acceptance against the backdrop of a sensitively crafted refrain.
‘Cycle of Us‘ cleverly analyses a dynamic on/off relationship. A can’t live with but can’t live without narrative with a passionate introduction underpinned with sublime electric guitar.
‘Get Used to This‘ has a simple yet stylish message and a gracious melody. A simple lyric video beautifully illustrates the young love described. Another song that appears to be about young love is ‘My Name‘, in which a summer break, perhaps from college, leaves a couple wondering if they are thinking and talking about one another. It’s a contemporary, refreshing song. After trying to make a relationship work, ‘Black and Blue‘, a duet with Wendy Newcomer, depicts the beaten-up feelings of a failed relationship, which, as with all of the other songs on this album, has a comfortable, worn-in feel.
‘Fallin’ for my Friend’ is a superb, real-life song quite literally about falling in love with someone you have been close friends with for years and the worry that declaring that love might ruin everything. It has a great melody, although ironing out the squeaks on the guitar would make it even better. Ending with ‘Worked Harder‘, Daly explores being stood up after not working hard enough on a relationship. The flippant confidence of youth seemingly finally gives way to maturity, although on this occasion, it is too little, too late. An intelligent acknowledgement set to a resigned melody.
Daly’s songs are exhilarating in their contemporary style. They are thoughtfully written, immaculately played and stunningly produced. He cites Jason Isbell, Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers and Ed Sheeran as some of his influences. Well, it might just be time for them to step aside before Daly walks all over them.
And remember, you saw him here first.
