Somehow I Know It's Love by Young Oceans
Thoughts on one of the most immersive listening experiences of 2024.
Hi Pal,
If you’re new here, welcome to our little corner. If you’re a regular, welcome too, thanks for being around.
Eric Marshall, aka Young Oceans, has been around for a while and his long and expansive discography stands as proof of his consistency on the Christian music scene. Since I started listening to this project, I’ve always been struck by his desire to create music that pushes the boundaries of artistic expression with a consistent invitation to the listener into an intimate devotional worship experience.
For a little over three years, I believed that his 2021 album, You Are Fullness, was a near-perfect representation of the aforementioned sentiment. To me, it was the culmination of his artistic mission and I never thought I’d listen to anything from him that would rival that experience until Somehow I Know It’s Love.
The album has a unique sonic signature that permeates it from start to finish, and the best way I can describe is atmospheric art rock/folk accentuated by ethereal synths and lofi beats. The prominence of the synths on the record took me by surprise at first, but on multiple listens, I’ve come to appreciate the subtle genius behind it.
At first, I was afraid that it would take away from the “organic feel” that I have come to expect from a Young Oceans album but I came to realize that it is used intelligently, and mixed and mastered well. All in all, these composition and production choices make for an immersive and meditative listening experience.
Still, if we're being honest, musicality isn’t the reason why anyone falls in love with Young Oceans; the jewel in the crown has always been the message and that remains true on this LP. Be it in the poetic use of scripturally inspired imagery in songs like “Fields of Green” where he sings;
Have to give the money back
To have you here around my neck
Sweeter than the sweetest wine
Prettier than gold
Heard you singing in the street
Singing of paths of peace
Wild riches in your hand
Heard you were a giving tree
Be it in the storytelling approach found in tunes like the title track, “Somehow” and “Fine Hour”, or in the short repetitive lyrics of gems like “Melt Our Hearts” and “Just Like Mine”. There is something on this album for everyone if you’re a lover of contemplative and introspective writing.
From my own listening experience, I would be amiss if I did not give three songs on this album special recognition. “Go With Me” was the first single I listened to and the song that made me realize we were in for a special experience. It is slightly progressive in the way it unfolds and I love the way Eric arranges the introduction of the different instruments, especially the moments when the bass guitar and bright synths join the party.
“Maybe” is objectively the best song on this album from a purely musical standpoint, in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong, it’s one of the heaviest songs on the album, as Eric expertly expresses what it means for a person to be broken.
When I'm crushed
Utterly alone
When I've nothing left
When I'm scorned
Maybe, Maybe I'm closer
When I break
When I'm silenced
When I weep 'Till I'm blinded
Maybe, Maybe I'm closer
Nonetheless, I don’t think the song would have resonated with me if the music wasn’t on the level it is. The synths and strings on here are gorgeous and it’s honestly some of the best production I have heard from him, ever.
Finally, I have to tell you about “Savages In Gold”, the song I cannot help but tear up when I listen to it in my quiet moments. It has my chorus of the year and it is an expression of the grace and love of God that breaks me every time I sing it.
O but then I enter by your hand
Into the sanctuary
And all I see is your glory
I enter by Your hand
Into the sanctuary
And your love enfolds me
As it always is with albums that I love, it has taken me a few months to write this review. Beyond my sentimentality and clear bias, I think this album falls into the category of those who need multiple listens to be truly experienced.
My experience with Somehow I Know It’s Love has brought me to a place where I strongly believe that Young Oceans has stepped into a new beginning. There is a freshness and new-found innocence that filters through this album giving it a completely different feel from anything else in his discography. I look forward to spending even more time with it in the coming months.
Genre(s): Art Rock, Folk, Devotional Worship
Release Date: 4th March, 2024
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That’s it for today.
Catch you soon!
Feel free to leave a comment. Also, I am always open to hearing from you so feel free to send an email to me at stismavo@gmail.com