“I noticed the sun, first time in months / it seems like it’s actually shining” sings Vic Allen on her new single ‘Healing’. I first noticed Vic Allen many years ago when she was busking on the streets of Norwich. Even then, her talent shone through and I remember having the feeling that I was hearing something special. Years later, listening to this track, I have that same feeling.
Like many, singer songwriters trying to build their career, the pandemic has impacted upon Allen’s career and restricted her ability to record new music. ‘Healing’ is a track that was written and partly recorded in 2019 before being finalised over Zoom. “This song is about getting through a long period of sadness or suffering and realising you’re finally starting to feel like your old self again” she explains. Whilst the track drew its inspiration from a friend’s break-up, the lyrics will resonate with many people after the difficulties of this year, which as Allen sings has “been a really long hard year.
“This song is about getting through a long period of sadness or suffering and realising you’re finally starting to feel like your old self again”
The track itself is a powerful country ballad which plays to the richness in Allen’s voice. The production is outstanding as the combination of piano, bass, guitar and sequenced electrical guitar give so much texture to the track. ‘Healing’ is a song which worms its way into your brain on the first listen and begs for repeat listens. There are enough rises and falls in the tone of the track, clever hooks and a ‘catchy’ chorus. Allen is available to project power and vulnerability in her vocal range and it is a joy to listen to.
For all the plaudit’s given to singers like Kelsea Ballerini, we shouldn’t forget our home grown talent. ‘Healing’ is a track which would comfortably grace the albums of early Taylor Swift or most of the current Nashville roster. I would go as far as saying it is my favourite country music track of 2020. In September Allen was included in Maverick magazine as their “one to watch” artist. After the long hard year she sings about, ‘Healing’ should signal her arrival.
Words by Andrew Butcher
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