“A Different Light” by Tom Keifer is a classic, nostalgic sort of song. Complete with variously affected electric guitars, raspy vocals, well-timed key changes, and touching lyrics, it transports any listener to a wistful, contemplative place. Plus, the new music video adds some visually stunning context to the southern rock piece. If you find yourself in need of a good-old, indulgently rock n’ roll artist to obsess over, put Tom Keifer into the running.
“Did you ever wake up and the sun wasn’t shining on you?” Tom enters over a gentle guitar riff. The music video pans over a few rather forlorn scenes, all filmed in black and white. As the reflective lyrics pass by we start to hear some harmonies pile on, building the anticipation for the chorus. When it finally arrives, it arrives with a bang. The instrumentation explodes into existence, complete with a tremolo-laden guitar, a frenetic drum groove, and a ton more background vocals. The key changes to something a bit higher, thusly a bit more upbeat. The video suddenly erupts with color. The lyrics describe what life might be like if we showed the people around us compassion and spared them from judgment. The many elements of this song align so perfectly here, it almost feels serendipitous–but the discretion of Tom Keifer is ultimately what makes this song work so well.
Be sure to check out “A Different Light” and its accompanying video! You’ll be glad you did. Tom Keifer showcases so many talents and creative skills in just one song.
Written by Alyce Lindberg
