#8 Willie Wright - Dance Floor, 2012

This is one of the most resigned and world-weary vocals I’ve encountered. It’s basic in its form, but that’s all it needs to be. I am not too familiar with Willie Wright, but when I heard this song, it felt like a familiar voice, speaking to me like he'd known me his whole life. As I understand it, the album its from "This Is Not A Dream' was his last commercial release whilst he was still alive.

As I grow older, I find myself drawn to simplicity and straightforwardness in both life and art. As the world becomes more complex, noisy, and technology-driven, I see these artistic mediums as a respite from the chaos. You can embellish all you want, but there’s a purity to certain artworks that cuts through the noise perfectly. "Dance Floor" is such a song. Despite its length of over nine minutes, it never feels too long—if anything, it could go on for another nine and I’d still love it.

The song's simple vamp repeats for its entirety, with a piano that sounds like it was played on a Casio keyboard picked up at a car boot sale, likely played on his lap. The band is not aiming for virtuosity but achieves something far more meaningful. They communicate with their instruments in a way that feels real, relatable, and undiluted. The sax and guitar solos are raw and honest, not trying to deceive in their delivery. Some purists might find flaws in the performances, but that would be missing the point entirely.

The production is clear and direct, perfectly suiting the song’s straightforward nature.

The lyrics tell the story of an older man reminiscing about his youth—dressing up, going out, and trying to impress a girl he likes. Despite his best efforts, things don’t work out. The simplicity of the story is profound and personal, delivered with the weight of life experience.

Willie’s voice carries the full spectrum of life’s highs, lows, and whimsical moments. He speaks with the wisdom of someone reflecting on his past, and it feels as though he’s sharing these memories from the comfort his front porch. There’s a sense of faded glory and resignation, but also comfort and jubilation.

Find a quiet moment, perhaps during an evening walk as the sun sets, and give this song a listen. Give it nine and a half minutes of your time, engage your patience, and listen to what Willie Wright has to say.