British singer-songwriter Tom Walker’s vulnerable, soothing vocals mesmerize in his latest single ‘Heartbeats’, an emotional but propulsive pop power ballad that puts forth Walker’s most daring qualities as an artist. This track is featured in the deluxe version of What A Time To Be Alive, which will be released in full on November 8.

His debut album is already a Gold-certified success, having achieved No. 1 in his native United Kingdom, in addition to ranking in Australia, Germany, France, Ireland among others, so it is hardly surprising that his rise through fame has been meteoric. His breakthrough single ‘Leave a Light On’, a soft, somber melody supported by sharp piano chords, catapulted Walker into a household name, raising expectations for his successive musical features. While that track detailed the pain, loneliness, and helplessness associated with addiction, Heartbeats is a sweet, nostalgic ode to friendship—it represents Walker as his most gentle as he muses on friendships that faded, companions that fell on hard times and his hopes of reconnecting with them. 

However, the lyrics and themes of the track may point towards that of a downer but the song is anything but. It is optimistic, intense and upbeat; Walker cleverly invokes the angst in his voice to belt out the chorus, the loud amplitude speaking to the strength of his feelings towards his friends. The alternative-rock instrumentations also ramp up in the chorus, driving his desperation home. The verses flow through against a light, steady beat of the acoustic guitar, recalling the pop stylings of Ed Sheeran—-another dynamic British sensation that has taken the country, and the world, by storm. Tom Walker may not be ready to admit following in his footsteps but his musical sensibilities have been coming along remarkably. 

In a climate in which most male artists either craft songs about relationships or internal conflicts, it is heartwarming to see someone like Walker go the extra step to write about male friendship and the solidarity that he wants to rebuild among his old friends. It sets him apart from other artists in this space and ultimately paves the way for more lyrical complexity from his features. 

  Singer-songwriter    Pop