At long last, ’tis the season for good vibes, togetherness, and simple celebration. On that note, original Christmas songs are always something we secretly crave at this time of year, and songwriter Martin Manley has crafted one that’s a natural gem.
Fitting well into the Christmas category for its intimate warmth, lyrical appreciation, subtle rhythmic bells and strings, this acoustic folk-pop offering leads with the classic escapism and joy of the season, whilst introducing the raspy and emotive, expressive vocal styling of Martin Manley.
It’s an effortlessly engaging voice, an indie rock twang with a touch of something smooth and even bold on occasional – a hint of Phil Collins in this case, but it’s a brief comparison. Rising from smart and calm verses towards the easy repeat of the hook, Christmas Time is a must for the Christmas weeks ahead, and reinforcing its melodic and lyrical appeal – the song was co-written with Simple Minds guitarist Goudie Gordy (also known for his work with Echo & the Bunnymen.
Setting a completely different kind of vibe is Martin Manley’s other new single One Love. Here we enter an instantly summer-style vibe of organic guitars, warming bass, and funky progressions with soulful vocals to light up the space.
One Love is loaded with optimism, hopeful harmonies and lyrical sentiments that shine beautifully in this setting. It’s a genuine indie pop-rock single with a clear twist of character and passion to the leading voice, and it’s another fine example of the honest but striking songwriting of Martin Manley.
Connection is often everything in this industry, and Martin Manley has no shortage of strong links to music’s history. Both of these original tracks feature renowned musicians like guitarist Goudie Gordy, drummer Ross McFarlane (Gerry Cinnamon), and bassist Lewis Gordon (Deacon Blue). The songs also welcome harmonies from Susan Boyle’s own vocal coach, Chris Juge. The embrace and professionalism of the sound speaks volumes on behalf of this, and naturally elevates the thoughtful and effective songwriting in every case.
Balancing poetry and personal storytelling with seamless artistry, Martin Manley brings the positivity and possibility back to authentic indie songwriting and music.
Pre-save One Love. Find Martin Manley on Facebook, TikTok, X, Instagram & his Website.
