Each Christmas, the UK draws a huge media feature on the John Lewis advert, so much so that for many families, this feeds into their traditions. In 2012 it was this advert that launched Gabrielle Aplin into stardom with her cover of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s, The Power of Love. Prior to this, she was growing a fanbase as an acoustic singer songwriter from Wiltshire. 

Quite simply, this is a song written directly to a partner, a partner who has hurt before, and the take it easy line refers to a warning that the singer is worried that they might do it again and if they are, then they should ‘Take it Easy’ on the singer. Lyrically, the flow of the narrative and the blend of the melody to the music means that quite a lot of the story of the song can be fitted in to help the listener really connect with the track. I found it really straightforward to hear the lyrics and link in with the tone that Gabrielle Aplin was trying to achieve. 

The song starts with a synth that really could take it in any direction, but the vocal and electric piano that come in after the initial intro start the tempo. With a chord progression of soft stabs on the keyboard, and with Aplins voice, the general flow of the song has a pop groove, but the melody takes us to some bluesy places. As the song builds the overdubs and harmonies fill the song and create a warm texture. The song itself never loses its feel of being quite happy in tone, but with quite a sad undertone to the lyrics. I’m not sure if this was the blend that would have initially been set out for, but nevertheless it works to tell the story and showcase a really interesting melody that shows great creativity within songwriting and production.

Author: Phil Arnold

Phil Arnold is a musician, producer and music reviewer from Devon, in the South West of England. Whilst not writing music reviews, Phil also writes and records under the name of Ugbrooke.