Andrew Smith – ‘The Garden’ [Album Review]

Andrew Smith’s latest album, The Garden, invites listeners to immerse themselves in warm, nostalgic, musical bedtime stories.

Produced by Smith’s Berklee classmate and friend Jonathan Elyashiv, The Garden weaves together self-acceptance, fame, friendship, heartbreak, and romance lessons, transforming them into beguiling musical fables.

Made up of 10 tracks, The Garden begins with “My Life Is A Movie,” travelling on soft, creamy colours topped by Smith’s slightly breathy vocals, infusing the lyrics with smooth, alluring tenderness. When the rhythm enters, the song assumes a gentle, rolling feel, underscored by rounded drums and sweeping strings.

Entry points include the bright and sparkly “I Don’t Wanna Be Famous Anymore,” with its tasty tinges of pop-rock. Smith’s velvety vocals imbue the lyrics with a sleek, sing-song flow, at once contagious and effervescent.

“My favorite children’s writer / Says fucked up shit on Twitter / Now everybody hates him.”

A personal favourite because of its delicious, drifting, pressing motion, “Emoji Heart (Stephen’s Song)” probes platonic love, exploring the awkwardness men feel when expressing love for each other without romantic connotations. Bubbling with lustrous layers, the melody coruscates with glittering hues, riding a potent, swaying rhythm.

Gleaming, chiming psychedelic tones form the intro to “My Neighbor Mariana,” a warm, lullaby-like tune. Smith’s silky vocals give the lyrics heartfelt timbres. While “Gay Gay Gay Gay Gay” assumes prayer-like aromas as Smith reveals profound emotions surrounding the release of shame and liberation from engineered social moulds.

Andrew Smith, photo by Jason Cox

For some reason, the title track conjures up suggestions of Simon & Garfunkel, offering delicate layers of shimmering tones as Smith’s mellow voice encapsulates the lyrics in soothing textures. On the outro, the harmonics elevate, embracing choir-like resonance.

Enclosed in cashmere surfaces and the melodious vocals of Andrew Smith, The Garden projects appealing compassion and enchantment.

The Garden Track Listing:

1. My Life Is A Movie
2. I Don’t Wanna Be Famous Anymore
3. Wrinkled
4. Rockabye 25
5. Emoji Heart (Stephen’s Song)
6. HomeGoods
7. Husband Energy
8. My Neighbor Mariana
9. Gay Gay Gay Gay Gay
10. The Garden

Run Time: 34:08
Release Date: June 8, 2023
Record Label: Independent