Chris St John gets soulful and heartfelt on his new album Fly Away. St John has been writing dozens of songs over the last two years, he released his first album I’m Dreaming in 2021. He spent time in Nashville working with legendary music producer Stephen Wrench to record Fly Away. St Johns naturally velvety tenor voice makes his musical style difficult to pinpoint. St John’s songs are as diverse as they come, featuring influences of African grooves and classic country-esque ballads. Fly Away covers St Johns interpersonal relationships to the woes of social media. One thing is certain, all of St John’s songs are deeply poetic and personal.
Fly Away is an eclectic 13 track album, that highlights St Johns vocal range and deep musical interests. There are melodies and riffs of all types, multiple ballads, even a Marty Robbins-like Western ballad, “Me and You.” St Johns lyrics are clever, poignant, and always artistic. The production of his music is clear but relaxed, suiting every genre he explores. Its refreshing to listen to an album that shows off a musician’s love for music in all its forms. Fly Away shows off St John’s ability to find the intersection between personal subject matter and the exploration of musical style.
So many of the songs on Fly Away emphasize enjoying life and all of the magical relationships that populate them. Tracks like “Me and You” and “I Just Knew” highlight the themes of love and companionship. “Me and You” is one of my favorite songs on the album, it features a Santana-esque opening riff that transports you elsewhere. It tells a story of a traveler who arrives with little to no money, looking to buy some land and in turn falls madly in love with a woman, who ends up tumbling to her death. The Spanish style guitar makes up the bridge with quick plucking and strumming that gets your hips moving. While “Me and You” has Spanish themes to it, its essence is clear, love changes us no matter how brief of an encounter it is.
A song that cannot be overlooked is “The Disappear,” a ballad set to gentle guitar and strings. “The Disappear” is about cherishing the time we spend with loved ones, since we never know how long we have with them. “The Disappear” is a song about grief, but whether its about a relationship ending or someone passing away, is up to the listener. My favorite part of “The Disappear” is how St John comments on the passing of time, how fast life moves, and how much can change in a moment. The lyrics follow the complex feelings of losing someone and all that it provokes within those who are left behind. “When their gone, they’re gone for good/Empty space there where they stood,” is one of the most truthful and powerful lyrics from “The Disappear.”
Chris St John is not bound to any genre, Fly Away is proof of that. Whether he’s telling a story, commenting on social media, or is reminding listeners to enjoy life itself, St John nails it every time. Fly Away is an easy going album that will make you want to play it on repeat all year long. St John’s message is loud and clear, don’t take the time we spend with others for granted. Listen to Fly Away, out now!
Troy Johnstone