john smith the fray

John Smith (from the album The Fray available on Commoner Records) (by Danny McCloskey)
John Smith keeps the message short and to the point, using the phrase as a song title “Hold On”. The words hold up a mirror to the thoughts that ricocheted in our minds during periods of lockdown, John Smith calling out inspiration, offering his hand in the storyline as a chorus chant. On his recent release, The Fray, John Smith furthers his advice and encouragement with songs penned during the same environment that the stories address, the tales accepting fate and learning to enjoy what we have while digging a little deeper to find hidden pleasures. As a backstory for The Fray, John Smith related that ‘a lot of these songs are about accepting that life is hard, but just holding on and trying to enjoy it anyway. It’s been a hell of a year, but I feel I’ve created my most honest work as a result—and as a necessity’.
 
Holding tight to hope, John Smith barely touches the guitar strings that back his voice in “She’s Doing Fine” as a heartier foundation forms around the piano-led rhythms of “Sanctuary” while rapid fire strums hurry the coming storm in the tale of “To the Shore”. Backed by A-list players, John Smith co-produced The Fray with Sam Lakeman, bringing in friends digitally from around the world for recording, becoming “Star-Crossed Lovers” with Irish singer Lisa Hannigan while whispering the story in “The Best of Me” surrounded by constant guitars notes courtesy of Bill Frissell. The Fray welcomes Sarah Jarosz for the lovers questions of “Eye to Eye” while self-examination is the subject when The Milk Carton Kids join John Smith on The Fray title track. (by Danny McCloskey)
 
Listen and buy the music of The Fray by John Smith from AMAZON
 
Please visit the John Smith website for more information

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