JOE GOODALL SOUNDTRACKS EXPLORING THE WORLD WITH LATEST SINGLE, AND EMOTIONAL ESCAPADE ‘THIS TOWN’

SINGLE REVIEW | JOE GOODALL – THIS TOWN by Morgan Hermiston

Joe Goodall is no stranger to releasing thought provoking yet catchy tracks. In 2023 he
released four-track EP “A Series of Safe Spaces”, a soundtrack to general life with popular
single ‘Coffee Shop Dates’ included in the tracklist. More recently, Goodall further demonstrated his stellar songwriting in ‘Treat You Better’, a track that is perfect for fans of groups like the 1975.

The inspiration that the Stirling singer-songwriter draws from the 1975 is no secret, as he has
previously made clear that they are one of his favourite groups. However, Goodall doesn’t fall
into the trap of creating copies of the indie-rock tunes. Instead, he takes influence more from the
intentional lyricism within his songs, and the messages he wants to portray. With ‘This Town’, Joe Goodall highlights the importance of “stepping back” and acknowledging how short life can be.

He stated in an Instagram post that this is his most prevalent and personal song yet. The chorus particularly pushes this notion with lyrics like, “I won’t let my life be led by this town.” This is the line, for me anyway, that is easiest to resonate with. Joe Goodall isn’t necessarily talking about packing up and moving to the other side of the world, but his lyricism does signify “moving on” and exploring the world in different ways. It’s very easy to fall into the comfort of the city we grew up in, but it can become insular and prove to be of more detriment than benefit.

With writers like Ross Leighton and producer Bruce Rintoul assisting Joe Goodall with ‘This
Town’, it’s no surprise that it is quickly becoming a popular addition to his continually expanding
discography. Rintoul, in particular, is known for his work on material by fellow Scots Twin
Atlantic and Fatherson. Leighton is the frontman of the latter band. Fatherson’s track ‘Charm
School’ also conceptualises a similar theme to this track, but both songs have a unique and
individualistic intent. Regardless, it’s interesting to see these other influences of his come
through, but still driving Goodall’s own identity and sounds.

With each song Joe Goodall creates, he shares more of his personality, and who he is as an
individual. He is creating songs that he would personally choose to listen to, and this really
comes through in songs like ‘This Town’. Songs like this one also demonstrate the inherent
idea Joe has of where he wants to steer his musical journey. I’ve personally been playing this
recent release on repeat and genuinely don’t have a negative thing to say about it. Joe Goodall
is someone whose voice and material you will definitely hear on radio stations and beyond in
the near future.