Robbie Stokes looks within on an introspective single, "The Way It Was"
Pivoting his sound and style slightly for something a bit more introspective, we’re enjoying everything about Robbie Stokes’ latest delivery, “The Way It Was”. Read on as we share our glowing review of the track, as well as an update on this artist.
It’s been a little over three months since we last reviewed Robbie Stokes’ EP Mixed Signals and already he’s gone back to work, furthering and expanding on everything he’s created so far. His newest song is called “The Way It Was” and it immediately has transcended what he’s made in the past, all the while keeping that signature essence that made us fall in love with his sound in the first place. Though we’d recommend starting out from the beginning of his catalog, you surely wouldn’t be going wrong with a spin of this.
As the opening notes hit, we couldn’t help but instantly think that this sounds like a cosmic mix of Mac DeMarco and Beach House. “The Way It Was” comes off right away as this expansive dream poppy song that once again features Robbie’s pitched up vocals surrounded by an atmospheric world. His music typically always has that sort of lighthearted and airy feeling, and that hasn’t changed, but lyrically he’s 100% changed paths here for something more serious. On its background, he’s said he “wrote about longing for the past and feeling nostalgic”. Maybe it’s the time of the year, or the cold weather that keeps you in, but there’s nothing wrong about introspection and taking those feelings to better yourself. Undoubtedly, it’s his most open, vulnerable, sincere, and raw sounding song we’ve experienced yet.
Truly, it’s so wild to be able to hear such subtle changes in his music from release to release, yet they have such a profound impact on the end result. It would be difficult to claim this as his best work overall, but really it’s such a specific vibe and mood that “The Way It Was” gives off. At right around three minutes in length, we’ve seriously found ourselves listening over and over trying to recapture the energy it gave us on the initial listen. Sincerely, we know you’re going to love this. Don’t hesitate to play it!
Go ahead and click those links below to listen, follow along, and of course to stay tuned for all major news in 2023!
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