Debut album from John Hynes

Hailing from Leixlip in Ireland, singer-songwriter John Hynes has for years delighted the music scene with his original blend of baroque pop and tender folk rock while exploring poignant and relatable themes in his songwriting. Sharing his sound with the world for the first time in 2017, he released his debut single “Caroline, I’m Yours” which he followed up with a handful of singles over the next three years.

Now he’s back and marks his return with his most ambitious release to date, bringing us his brand new debut full-length record titled A Man In Love. Produced by Gavin Glass, who’s known for his work with the likes of David Keenan, Mundy and Lisa Hannigan, with string arrangements by Cormac Curran, who’s credits include Hozier and Villagers, the new album features nine tracks, a deliberate choice by the artist with John explaining, “I always wanted the album to have 9 songs. Constraints are an important part of art. Even my favourite albums have one or two ‘skippers’ on them. One of my favourite albums is What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye, which is 9 songs and 35 mins long, just like A Man In Love.”

Built on his trademark blend of delicate melodic writing and meaningful lyrics, A Man In Love provides the perfect run through of the full scope of John Hynes’ sonic vision while thematically covering ideas of life, love and the experiences of being a man in today’s world. Opened by “In Over My Head,” the album starts with John’s bright vocal leads backed by the soft strums of acoustic guitar. Crafting an intimate indie folk scene, the song rises with delicate strings and the strike of piano and warm piano chords, resulting in a stunning slice of folk pop music that’s at once catchy and timeless.

“I Will Be With You” captures a heartfelt sound of elegant vocal leads carrying storytelling lyricism as his voice rides above the guitar chords and piano notes. As the bass guitar slides in, the strings enter and the patter of drums inject rhythm, the song takes flight to deliver a charming retro pop sound of memorable vocals and vibrant arrangement.

His chart-topping first outing “Caroline, I’m Yours” follows with a gently swaying rhythm of plucked bass lines and shaker-driven percussion as John’s alluring voice threads delightful lines above. With the taps of drums and strums of twanging guitars, he crafts a graceful sound of vintage pop rock music filtered through his own modern style.

Other highlights on the record include the album’s lead single “From The First,” a beautiful display of his songwriting panache as he spins buoyant vocals above a hazy aesthetic as Cormac Curran’s playful strings are joined by guest musicians Ken Mooney, Gareth Quinn-Redmond and Scott Halliday. Laying down relatable lyrics about being a parent and modern manhood, “From The First” provides a dazzling moment on the LP with its enduring sound, superb songwriting and exquisite musicianship.

The album closes with “Run To Her,” where sustained piano notes are contrasted by the pulse of bass guitar, providing a stripped-back space for John’s airy vocals to float above. The mellow punch of drums and dreamy instrumental flourishes combine to propel to the song, building to a rousing crescendo capped by a slick, fuzzed-out guitar solo before the song drifts into an atmospheric outro to create the perfect conclusion to the artist’s sensational debut album.

Listen to A Man In Love below