Review - Kezia Gill - Wings
I was lucky enough to hear the first draft of this song back in January when Kezia performed it just her and the piano. Kezia said this was a really tough song to get right, equally it’s a very difficult song to review, such is the power and emotive content of the song.
The one thing you can guarantee with any song Kezia has ever written or performed is there’s no holding back, she gives every song everything she has and is in touch with the story and content of the song.
Wings is no exception; the song opens with vocal only as Kezia sings ‘Head in the clouds’ before a subtle and soft electric guitar comes in. This stays for the first verse, just vocal and guitar, this immediately gives you the feeling of the heartfelt message of the song and the vulnerability in the lyrics. To match this Kezia’s voice is stunning on this track, there is a vulnerability in her voice, almost raw emotion which cuts the listener to the quick, you can feel every lyric being sang.
The piano comes in and adds further to the atmosphere of the song, before drums and more guitar layer up to produce a beautiful sound which balances perfectly for the message of the song.
As the song progresses Kezia’s trademark strong and powerful voice comes more and more to the fore, the earlier vulnerable element is replaced with a passionate vocal performance. As the song progresses, we reach an almost gospel-esque sequence as the lyrics paint the picture of a determined individual who will overcome all obstacles to reach their dreams. The fundamental meaning that I have taken from the song is that you have one life, you are unique and you should grab it by the horns and fly, get out there and get noticed.
Instrumentally this is superb and the mix of vocals to music perfect, you can hear every word Kezia is singing (one of her trademarks I would suggest) and as the music builds so do the vocals, the power in Kezia’s voice is matched beautiful. If the song started with a vulnerable edge then after about half way through it stirs the heart, there is such power to this song.
The backing vocals are just amazing and once again as the song reaches its crescendo Kezia’s voice soars and takes the listener with it.
The song ends in a similar vein to it started, slightly more subdued, this works perfectly. It’s as if the journey is complete, you’ve struggled with things, you’ve risen and fought to achieve but underneath you are and can still be vulnerable, however now it’s without fear.
A final note on the production, it’s excellent, there isn’t much more I can say!
I don’t review songs really, however this one is so special I felt a need to share my thoughts of what is a stunning song. BBC Radio 2, one for the playlist for sure!
You can hear the song from Friday on arcradio.online - join me for Morning Live 10am. Download the app (iOS & Android - search ARC Radio) or online or ask Alexa ‘Ask MyTuner Radio to play A, R, C Radio’!