Something soulful and intimate yet aptly warming for its name – a mellow pop-rock groove from Bob Berdanier shines light beautifully on the nuance and expressive qualities of his voice. December is a huge new ballad of heartbroken reflection, with a raspy rock twist and vulnerable sentiments that feel timeless, honest, and relatable.
Taking inspiration perhaps from the more evocative and low-tempo hits from Bryan Adams and Bruce Springsteen, Bob Berdanier keeps the authenticity of great songwriting and natural performance alive and well, and December is, in my view, one of his most engaging and memorable singles yet.
Despite the familiar building blocks of a piano-led set-up, there’s something boldly personal and revealing about the poetry and scenes within – there’s a story of clear individuality to the verses, and the hook resolves gorgeously afterwards; achieving an intoxicating balance between that which is new and that which connects and comforts.
The romanticism resounds, the regret aches, and the music, these images of cold weather and loneliness, counter the uplift of the music, the passion, to deliver something that’s fiercely poignant, and quite addictive to lose yourself within.
Great songs often access some part of the human psyche that’s difficult to explain, and December works well towards that goal, crying out on behalf of the heartache and pain of separation and memories that sting in the absence of reality.
A beautiful highlight from the Bob Berdanier catalogue of original music, and it’s still just the beginning of the year.
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