Artist: Chance Brown
Album: This Worlds on Fire
Release Date: September 23, 2022
Genre: Alt-Country
Victoria, BC-based singer-songwriter Chance Brown has unveiled his debut album, This World’s on Fire.
The 10-song release begins with “Burn,” the first single he released. This song is a great first introduction to Chance Brown and his alt-country sound, which also encapsulates influences from various genres, such as folk and indie rock.
“Colour” packs a punch with an upbeat, rock-infused beat. As Chance’s powerful vocals join in, we are taken on a lyrical journey through a relationship gone wrong. While belting out, “You don’t have to speak, No, there’s nothing you could say, And there’s no one left to listen to your bullshit anyway,” he brings forth feelings of rage and resentment.
Up next, “Helium,” also released as a single, shows another side of Chance’s sound, with a more prominent rock vibe mixed with a folk influence.
“Sweet Time” slows it down with a mellow beat and smooth vocals that I was easily mesmerized by. When asked about this track, Chance shares, “‘Sweet Time’ is a very personal song that focuses on the emotions felt immediately after a breakup. In sum, it’s a tale of someone who’s absolutely dejected and mourning but finds solace in minimizing the worth of their ex-lover. You’re nothing but a waste of my sweet time darling. I’ll admit it’s not a great way to be, but it sure is a common one.”
At the halfway point, we have the shortest track, “Ice Cold.” I knew right away that this was going to be one of my favourite tracks from the release, despite the length. The beat caught my attention immediately, and once Chance begins delivering the lyrics, I was hooked. The 2 minutes and 30-second long song showcases Chance’s various vocal stylings, from slow and steady, to gruff and powerful, all while intertwining perfectly with the beat.
“Evil” is a fun transformation from the other tracks on the album, bringing forth heavier vocals and, as Chance says, “plain and undiluted hatred.” The chorus, “I take just what I want to love, and I leave the rest behind, You might be thankful for it, if you had any mind,” which repeats four times throughout the track, will surely prompt a reaction from the listener. I would love to hear more of this style from Chance in the future.
“Dawson” is reminiscent of a classic country tune merged with a bluegrass vibe. The twangy beat, along with Chance’s smooth vocals, create a perfectly well-rounded country track. Country music is known for great storytelling, and this song is the perfect example of that.
Coming in at track 8, “Medication Blues” slows it back down and introduces themes of mental health, which are all too relevant, especially in this day and age. The emotion evoked throughout this track is both powerful and familiar. Chance shed some light on the background of the track, “Another song that’s very close to my heart and is likely my favourite from the album. Mental Illness is one of the most difficult issues in our time, and I believe were all affected by it, be it in our own minds or through friends and family. This song tries to depict, in the first-person, the battle between feeling like the self we know and love or diluting our chemistry in order to be like all the rest.”
“Divine” returns to that bluegrass-tinged country, but this time in the form of a ballad. The vocals on this track are husky and compliment the music perfectly. With lyrics, “I’ve been rolled in silver and gold, I’m walking on air, or so I’ve been told,” set the tone for the song.
The album ends with “The Next Time,” a slow, traditional country track. Throughout the song, Chance’s vocals switch from easy-going to intense and passion-filled. The lyrics, “All I see are these holes in my shoes, So I drink like I got nothing left to lose, Try to catch some old time feeling, Lately it seems that the next time I lie down should be for good,” stirs up various feelings. Chance’s storytelling and the emotion-filled lyrics on this offering gave me the chills and certainly left me wanting to hear more from Chance.
Whether this is the first you’ve heard of Chance Brown or not, I can guarantee one thing. It’s not the last you’ll hear from him!