Andy Bell – Something Like Love
By
Jesse E. Mullen
In a creative profession, the past is usually used as a source of inspiration for an artist. A writer may look inwardly to understand where they came from, and how these experiences have shaped them as a person. Andy Bell takes this to a new level on “Something Like Love.”
The Ride guitarist/songwriter’s new solo single takes the form of a message to his younger self. Bell said in a press release that he went back to young Andy for advice on how to live life during the ongoing COVID pandemic. He said that he learned the technique in therapy.
Bell takes the lessons of both youth and adulthood, and channels them into his message. When we are young, we tend to naively wish our time away. When we are older, our naivete can turn to cynicism. Bell cautions young Andy not to give into either.
He says to “use a mirror” to “burn down the world for me.” “Burning down the world” seems not to be taken literally, but rather a clever inversion of the phrase “set the world on fire” – meaning to achieve great success in a short period of time.
Historically, mirrors have been used in multiple ways in song lyrics. They have been used both to symbolize drug use and for looking inwardly. Here, Bell uses a mirror for the latter purpose. He’s expressing a desire return to his youthful energy and enthusiasm for creating art and conquering the charts.
Musically, the track is just as beautiful and reflective. Waves of reverb, harmony vocals, and mellotron wash over the song as a haunted acoustic guitar melody is strummed. The track recalls the chord progression of Ride’s early hit “Vapour Trail,” but also the majesty of “Soul On Fire” by Spiritualized.
According to Bell, the track – and forthcoming album – was recorded with guitarist and former Beady Eye/Oasis bandmate Gem Archer engineering. The instrumentation was done back in 2016, with Bell adding vocals and overdubs in 2020 and 2021. The fruitful sessions also produced songs from Bell’s first solo album.
While introspection can help us live in the present, it can also help us learn from the past. On “Something Like Love,” Bell looks ahead to an uncertain future with the wisdom of both youth and experience. The duality of existing in both worlds makes the track a lush success.
Sonic Cathedral/2022
