New Music from shey baba and another great track from BC Camplight

Hello! I’m highlighting two new very introspective songs this week:

Slow Down – shey baba

I’ve been a fan of shey baba since I first heard his intense single Vertigo in 2018. When I ranked it as my number one song that year I communicated with the artist via Instagram and he couldn’t have been more appreciative. When he made my Top Ten again in 2023 with the song Natural High I again made a sweet connection with him. Now comes Slow Down. There are several striking features to this record, one of them is how increasingly lovely his voice and range has become. I can’t believe more people haven’t caught on and embraced his emotional tones and delivery. Second, the song itself feels deeply personal as he sings about the struggles he’s experienced with self-doubt, which many of us can relate to. The lyrics are very direct and resonant. Clearly, I’m a big fan. If you like this one check out some of his other music, you won’t be disappointed.

Where You Taking My Baby? – BC Camplight

Last week I highlighted one of the other new songs on the interesting and emotionally powerful new album A Sober Conversation from Brian Christinzio, aka BC Camplight. What struck me first about this track was its haunting and infectious production. Delving further into the song’s significance to the artist, he mentions in a Facebook post that it “is a memory I’ve swerved for decades, a song I’ve always avoided writing.” He sings to someone named Michael who apparently abused him many years ago. He has said “I had spent 20 years being terrified to open that door, and afraid of the price I’d pay once I had. I’ve opened the door. To some extent this album is what was on the other side.” He directly addresses Michael who is now 75 years old. Christinzio curiously calls him “baby” (or is he referring to himself?) and seems ready to talk about what happened and possibly forgive him.

I’d love to hear what you think about these songs and if you have your interpretations about the lyrics.

We are halfway through the year already. Below you’ll find my 2025 playlist which features all of the songs that have a chance of making my Top Ten for the year so far. As you may know I do annual countdown on a daily basis at the end of December. Many of you have shared your own Top Ten songs on Substack along with me. We’ll do it again this year! Looking forward to hearing your own picks. If you’d like to mention any songs that are currently in contention for your list this year, please do! Maybe we’ll match at the end of the year!

Link to my 2025 playlist is here!