Sam Sparro: A Man with Soul

As an adolescent of the noughties, I’ve been highly skeptical of the lyrical validity of modern music these days. Music credibility and intelligent lyrics in the popular music sphere appear to be a dying staple, being trampled over by “artists” who rely on their appearance, sex appeal and catchiness of their songs to gain an audience. I’ve never been a huge fan of dance or RnB music, always questioning the depth or freshness of the lyrics, so it was a pleasant surprise to stumble upon an artist who has more to offer than just a catchy tune.

Sam Sparro, Australian born singer/songwriter and producer released his self-titled debut album only this year and is an Aria nominee. He’s been accredited as possessing a three octave vocal range. The album, which Sparro co-wrote and produced, comprises a mixture of styles from dance to soul and RnB.

The opening tune "Too Many Questions" packs a funky bass-line as Sparro ponders life after life and the greater meaning of it all; All I have is too many questions/is there something someone forgot to mention to me?, while infectious "Black and Gold" is a search for God, questioning the existence of such a divine being; ’Cause if you’re not really here/then the stars don’t even matter (I also suggest checking out the video for this song; the light effects are quite visually amazing). A couple of his songs are specifically lyrically relevant to the modern day with the song "21st Century Life" criticizing the overuse of digital mediums such as television and mobile telephones and "Recycle It!", the less wordy yet socially relevant tune encouraging (as the title suggests) recycling to preserve the Earth’s natural resources.

There are also more personal themes evoked in "Waiting for Time", an apology to a hurt loved one; I wanna see you happy/hope it’s me that makes you happy/but I know you need a minute or a month or a year to forgive me, whilst "Sick" (as well as acknowledging that the world is anything but a perfect place) asserts that love can make all the difference; It’s a sick sick world/I’ll be your medicine.

Sparro considers himself a “soul singer, certainly the album that I’ve done is pop in a sense...pop meaning it’s very broad in its styles, and it’s got a fairly large appeal.” (Ultimate Magazine) His music has been compared to the likes of upbeat Mika, yet Sparro rejects this comparison.

In my humble opinion, it’s refreshing to come across a creator of dance/RnB music whom puts thought into the lyrical content of his songs, as well as possesses an incredible singing voice. With the album’s catchy beats and considered lyrics, Sam Sparro has definitely redefined my perception of the dance and RnB genre. Ladies and gentlemen, the bar has been set.