Airdrie country singer Brandon Lorenzo recently released his newest single, “The Year That Never Was,” which looks back at what has been a difficult and isolated time for everyone.
In typical Lorenzo fashion, the song hits on all levels – musically, lyrically and, if you include the music video, visually as well.
While the song was written by his long-time collaborator Ryan Hydro, Lorenzo brings his colleague’s words to life through his infectious presence and memorable tone.
At the time of my writing this, the Alberta government was preparing to lift all current COVID-19 restrictions on July 1. Lorenzo’s new song could not have come out at a more perfect time, as so many people look forward to getting outside and enjoying their lives restriction-free for the first time in a long time.
While it would be easy to say we want to forget about 2020, Lorenzo does a great job of reminiscing about harder times, while still looking forward to what is ahead. His singing gives the listener a feeling of hope and relatability.
“Feeling like a zombie walking the streets, restaurants are closed ain’t nowhere to eat,” Lorenzo sings during the opening line of the song. “No high school classes or senior proms, feels like the months disappeared one by one.”
Moving toward the chorus, Lorenzo sings, “I made it through the year that never was, ain’t nothing ever going to be as tough. Got good friends and family and plenty of love.”
The song also provides an enjoyable and easy-to-digest melody, which synchronizes effortlessly with Lorenzo’s immense talent for the art of modern country music.
While the song has been doing well since its release to country radio this spring, Lorenzo initially wasn’t sure if he would take on the song.
“Hydro, who wrote the song, said he wrote it with me in mind,” Lorenzo said. “As soon as I saw the title of it, I was a little hesitant because I didn’t know what it was going to entail. Once I got about three or four lines into the song, I fell in love immediately.”
The song covers what people have missed throughout the first year of the pandemic, including weddings and high school graduations, among a laundry list of other things. Lorenzo hopes the song is a glimmer of hope for people as we finally move toward a recovery from the pandemic.
The pandemic has been a whirlwind for Lorenzo, who before the first lockdown was garnering quite the traction in his music career. His first single “Spread Some Good Time Around” was released in January 2020. Starting to hit the road, winning awards and everything else in between came to a screeching halt when the world shut down.
“It was depressing, because I know I missed out on some great times on stage and with the fans,” he said. “Not being able to play was draining, but I did the best that I could.”
While there remains uncertainty ahead, one thing that is for sure is Lorenzo’s talent as a musician. Do yourself a favour and take a few minutes to indulge and enjoy the newest effort put forth by one of Airdrie’s own.
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
