“Walking Away” by Eric Ananda and Josh Yau is a soulful alternative pop track, beautifully ornamented with sparse yet tasteful instrumentation and catchy melodies. With the familiar, smooth, singer-songwriter atmosphere of the early-mid 2000s and the crisp electronic production of today’s music, it manages to feel both retro and modern. But more importantly, the song itself oozes musicality in such a way that any music-lover could enjoy it. It’s well written, well performed, and ultimately, just really well done.
A clean, gymnastic electric guitar riff starts the song off. The singer delicately ad-libs on top, introducing us to his vibrant, sultry tone. “I long for better days, better days, better days / When things were simpler,” he chimes. The verse flows by with an intimate calmness, soon joined by some kick/clap-based percussion. This layer initiates a transition from something acoustic to something complex and groovy. Utilizing both of these feels allows the song to be both emotionally gratifying and rhythmic.
The first chorus dissolves back down to a solo guitar, only to erupt in bass, drums, and fuzzy synths for verse two. With each dynamic fluctuation we experience, the message becomes more poignant. A pop song about a troubled relationship is not uncommon, but the emotive vocals, dynamic variation, and elegant lyricism of this one make it something special.
If you’re in the market for a new song to add to your spring or summer playlist, give “Walking Away” a try! You’ll be delighted by this seamless collaboration between Eric Ananda and Josh Yau. Plus, you might just get a couple of new favorite artists out of it.
Written by Alyce Lindberg
