Cole Redding, Gay Americana | Song Review 🎵

Talented pop singer/songwriter Cole Redding shows us the endless possibilities and the power of inclusiveness in his surefire bop, “Gay Americana.

“Shy boy with too many secrets / I know what it’s like to be him.” In an Instagram post, Cole Redding describes “Gay Americana” as the song he wished he had growing up gay. In an earlier IG post, promoting the song, he captions the cover art as “MY WHOLE HEART. The scared, shy, self-hating 13-year-old me is real proud.” The handsome, talented pop musician should be proud for several reasons. First, he is an overcomer of troubling past experiences. He’s victorious.  Secondly, he’s released an anthem that is authentic and moving. Redding penned “Gay Americana” with Stephan Santa Teresa and Rachel Kennedy.

“Gay Americana” thrives. Why? First and foremost, the songwriting and the inclusiveness.  Redding advises this gay young man, “Promise it won’t make the world end / If you say you don’t want a girlfriend.”  This is one example of the freedom exhibited by the songwriting.  Don’t box yourself into the heteronormative world – be who you want to be and live true. In “Gay Americana,” “You can be anything you wanna.” That should be the mantra! Redding offers up so many meaningful, inclusive thoughts.  One of many that stands out:

“Put the stars and stripes

On a rainbow flag 🏳️‍🌈

And we’ll fight for love

Cause it’s all we have

We were born this way

And they can’t change that

No, we won’t go back.”

Preach, Cole! Beyond the songwriting and theme, the musicianship is turned up. Redding sings beautifully and easily on this uplifting pop joint.  Besides his technical abilities, he’s authentic, selling the text superbly. The melodies he brings to life are tuneful, particularly when he celebrates gay Americana in all its liberating glory. Finally, the instrumental is fire, incorporating the sheen of modern pop with some classic music cues.  “Gay Americana” is awesome. Not only is it a great addition to any Pride 🏳️‍🌈 list, it’s an inclusive pop song that everybody needs to hear.

Cole Redding // “Gay Americana” // Cole Redding // 5.31.24

[📷: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; ; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Królestwo Nauki, OpenClipart-Vectors, Pete Linforth, Tumisu from Pixabay]