One of the tough things about growing up is reckoning with the friendships that we lose along the way. Whether that’s from a dramatic falling out or simply drifting apart due to the tides of life, it rarely gets any easier to let those people go. In the music realm, there’s endless songs about past loves, but what about those platonic relationships? This is one aspect of our existence that Los Angeles artist Zachary Booth wanted to address this highly impactful experience in their relatable and uplifting pop style. Without further ado, here’s ‘HBD!’.
Like all of Booth‘s music, this single was inspired by real-life events when he was reflecting on an old friendship and how it had changed over the years. As the artists says:
“We all have felt a friendship slowly fade – but after 12 years of consistent “Happy Birthday!” turns into silence, you notice! I wrote this song after feeling bitter and reminiscing on the old friendship I had with someone. The text sound at the end will have listeners coming up with theories from their own perspective.”
Despite this potential melancholic theme, Booth has taken a more optimistic outlook into ‘HBD!’. Lead by his gorgeous, soulful pop vocals, this track is a dreamy journey through upbeat piano chords, R&B-inflected melodies, warming synths, danceable backbeats, and pliable guitars. It’s such a charming soundscape, but the star of the show has to be Zachary Booth‘s flawlessly sweet and endearing voice as he delivers those heartfelt lyrics. One of our favourite moments on the track is the stripped-back reprieve at around the 1:45 minute mark, when all those ethereal pop elements drop away to leave only those piano chords and the artist’s voice. It’s here that the sense of being let-down by a former friend comes to the fore.
Clearly, Zachary Booth isn’t one to say “never” as he leaves the narrative open-ended. Perhaps there is still hope for these disconnected friends. After all, healing is essential to this artist’s personal ethos surrounding music. It’s never too late.
You can also listen to ‘HBD!’ in our Shades of Pop playlist.
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