There are two key influences in play in the new single “She’s a Little Wildflower” from Barry Muir; classic folk/rock and contemporary singer/songwriter pop, both of which present us with a different aspect on the same lyrical theme. While the former paints this track as one of introspection and desire, the latter gives us the more reflective and emotionally-charged look, both of which offer unique insight into the complete artist that Muir really is. This is one of his most honest recordings, and reason enough to check out the album Gentle this spring.
The lyrics to “She’s a Little Wildflower” dash away pessimism on the spot in favor of looking into a future brighter than the present, and although you could break them down a couple of different ways, I think their greatest theme is one of appreciation for innocence. There’s a fragility that goes unspoken and unaddressed by the verses and the musical backdrop in this piece that is difficult for us to ignore just the same, and it’s only through the raw vulnerability of our performer here that we’re able to understand where he’s coming from as a songwriter and an artist standing before the mic.
Watch the video for “She’s A Little Wildflower” below
These strings are the most essential element of the mix other than Muir’s singing, and I don’t think their part could have been played by a piano or any other instrumental componentry Muir might have considered. There’s just something so freeing about the strum of the guitar in this piece, and because of its prominence and the high-quality production standard at hand, we’re made to feel like we’re watching an intimate live show rather than listening to something recorded inside of a studio. This is the right arrangement for these lyrics, and a fine catalyst for poetic catharsis if I ever heard one before.
I didn’t know a lot about Barry Muir ahead of “She’s a Little Wildflower” and Gentle, but this has made me curious to investigate his talents a little more than I had beforehand. He’s got the charisma of a troubadour and the skillset of the singer/songwriter strain so many folk fans have been craving to hear once more in 2020, and through this material, he presents himself as one of the more interesting follows in his small, insular scene at the moment. Muir’s a very talented player, and he’s letting us know that all too vividly here.
