Today, we have two collaborations that are worth listening to.Country Universe
“Listening”
Autumn Nicholas featuring SistaStrings
Written by Autumn Nicholas
Jonathan Keefe: It’s been a few months since we last covered an Autumn Nicholas single, and “Listening” continues their trend of starting out extraordinary and somehow getting better with every new offering. Both of today’s entries are just flat-out gorgeous: The lush backing by SistaStrings on this is the perfect compliment to the warmth of Nicholas’ vocal timbre, as their voice glides above the gentle piano and string arrangement.
As on each of their prior singles, Nicholas impresses for the depth of their empathy. “I promise this / Even in the silence / I’m listening,” is a statement of such clear-eyed purpose in its connection, as Nicholas is reaching out to someone who is in the throes of pain. The vulnerability on this feels radical.
In his eulogy for Olivia Newton-John, critic Walter Chaw said, “Her brand was kindness,” and noted what a rarity that is. “Listening” clarifies that Nicholas is picking up that vital thread. And this may be the finest example yet of how their powerful songwriting gives voice to how their intentions and interiority translate into acts of kindness and compassion. Nicholas is an absolute treasure. A
Kevin John Coyne: Oh, the humanity.
There’s such an empathy to Autumn Nicholas’ work. They have this ability to reveal intimate truths with carefully chosen details, delivered with nuance by a vocalist with few peers. Don’t underestimate what Nicholas is able to accomplish here. They’ve made a song about silence, which is no small feat.
What I love the most is how “Listening” reminds me of the best of nineties country. My ultimate litmus test is whether or not I can imagine one of the greats from that era including a song on one of their albums. This one feels like a lost Faith Hill track to me, one that would’ve had me seeking out the songwriter’s original recording back in the day, à la Angie Aparo. A