“VULNERABLE AND POIGNANT” | JOE GOODALL – A SERIES OF SAFE SPACES
THE SCOTTISH SINGER-SONGWRITER HAS RELEASED HIS DEBUT FOUR TRACK EP | BY MORGAN HERMISTON
Stirling singer-songwriter Joe Goodall takes listeners on a journey full of emotion in his debut EP, “A Series of Safe Spaces”.
In this four track collection, Goodall creates four unique scenarios that can be experienced individually or as an all encompassing exploration. Within each song, he lets listeners into his own mind as he shares vulnerable and poignant messages mixed with memorable melodies. This is all done via Goodall’s incredibly thought-provoking approach to lyricism. It’s as though he is creating a soundtrack and “safe spaces” for memories he wants to keep but won’t want to think about too regularly.
Three singles make up this EP: Tears, Turning My Back On Nothing and Coffee Shop Dates. The latter of these singles quickly became Goodall’s most streamed song to date. The track is simple, an uncomplicated fusion of catchy choruses with a familiar, folky sound. This simplicity is key to the track’s success and plays into the words within it. Goodall sings “all I need are coffee shop dates”, something that is a common yet useful occurrence in a lot of relationships. With such a simple melody, it is a song you will want to listen to time and time again, much like the straightforward concept of going on “coffee shop dates”.
Tears and Self Esteem continue the theme of simplicity and further prove how an easy to follow melody can actually enhance a track. With Tears, Joe Goodall provides an emotional foundation for those who share its diverse meaning. Every one of us will experience loss in various capacities whether it be bereavement or a relationship breakdown. Taking this into account, he has given listeners a track that can be resonated with no matter your circumstances. While he has previously spoken about the track’s meaning to him, his method of repeating the same lyrics throughout makes it one that can’t be tied to any particular event.‘
Self-Esteem is the final track of the EP and is similar to Tears with the easy listening environment it creates. Acting as a ballad of emotional evaluation and discovery, Goodall uses it to ensure listeners know they are not alone with how they feel. With a steady melody, his vocals are clear and each word is heard effortlessly. “Leaving me out” and “I know that you notice” are openly worded phrases, creating an atmosphere of reassurance and acceptance. The impact of feeling like you’re a last resort can sometimes result in “low self esteem”. This particular track creates a safe space for those who have ever felt like they were always a second choice, someone there as a ‘just in case’.
Turning My Back On Nothing was the third and final single from A Series of Safe Spaces and is an addicting anthem surrounding the concept of leaving negative things behind. Whether you’re in a toxic friendship or a job you hate, Joe Goodall has provided an uplifting track that supports us to turn away from anything causing us upset or negativity. Full of encouraging lines like “less of working it up and more of tearing it down” and “realise the strength”, he emphasises that some things will, and should, come to an end. Sometimes it is easier to end those things when we acknowledge the negative impact they are having on us.
With his debut EP, Joe Goodall has definitely generated “A Series of Safe Spaces”. Each track delves into discussions of things most of us will experience at some point. With several main musical influences previously noted by Joe Goodall including the 1975, Sam Fender and James Bay, these are obvious just by listening to the EP.
Much like the work from his influences as well as bands like Wunderhorse, the approaches to his lyric writing, as well as theirs, are intrinsic to their success. His songwriting brings to life familiar tales and gives everyone a situational safe space to relive these. Conversational yet impactful lyrics leave him emotionally vulnerable in songs like Tears and Self Esteem. The EP as a whole is a conceptualised soundtrack of true, and shared stories, not just love songs with happy endings. It is a body of work I will repeatedly return to, and I am sure you will too.
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