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“Little One” is a well-written, personal single from Johnny Stevens and Highly Suspect, released ahead of The Boy Who Died Wolf.

Highly Suspect are riding high, off of two Grammy nominations and a critically successful debut album, Mister Asylum.  Now, it’s onto new thing for the breakout rock collective, who drop highly anticipated sophomore album, The Boy Who Died Wolf, on November 18, 2016.  Ahead of the album, Highly Suspect released four singles, including the personal “Little One.”

“Little One” features an excellent harmonic progression established by guitar from the onset. It’s a great way to establish the song, drawing the listener in.  Throughout the song, frontman Johnny Stevens delivers clear, gritty vocals. He is on autopilot, particularly on the chorus., which is powerful and heavy. Speaking of the chorus, drums don’t enter in until its arrival.

“Hey, little one / I’m so scared of what this could have been / I know that today I lost my only friend / my little one.”

Throughout the course of “Little One,” there are an assortment of meaningful lyrics.

On verse one, the highlight is:

“I’m tired, you’re angry, and everyone looks blurry / I love you, I’m leaving – so long.”

The second verse focuses on Stevens’ junkie status:

“The places I took you, they seem so fucking empty / I have trouble going anywhere at all / Especially my own bedroom / And it stays awake to haunt me / So passed out, black out, drunk in another bathroom stall.”

At one point, he asks, “How long must I justify my pain through these songs? / How long, how long?”

The record concludes in tender fashion:

“It’s raining; it’s sunny / It doesn’t make a difference / I don’t care about anything at all.”

Final Thoughts 

Ultimately, “Little One” is a well-written, personal single from Johnny Stevens and Highly Suspect.  It comes from a place of pain and regret which Stevens conveys perfectly musically.  The Boy Who Died Wolf, hence, is being position for incredible critical success.

Highly Suspect • The Boy Who Died Wolf • 300 Entertainment • Release: 11.18.16

Photo Credit: 300 Entertainment