New Zealand singer-songwriter Marlon Williams delivers an intriguing, well-rounded sophomore album with ‘Make Way for Love.’

Marlon Williams may be no superstar, but the 27-year old alternative New Zealand musician definitely deserves to be.  This singer-songwriter is special to say the least. Quite talented, Williams possesses a marvelous voice and impressive approach overall. Make Way for Love, his second studio album, showcases a musician deserving more hype and more importantly, many more accolades.

“Come to Me” 

“Come to Me” commences Make Way for Love radiantly.  Marlon Williams demonstrates a beautiful, warm vocal tone that remains throughout the course of the album.  The ripe guitar and rich strings truly ‘makes’ the backdrop of this ballad instrumentally.

Williams has a winner on his hands with “What’s Chasing You.” A lush, guitar intro kicks things off. Furthermore, a memorable harmonic progression establishes itself. Williams delivers a beautiful, easy-going vocal performance.  Despite being as “smooth as butter,” he packs punch, easily captivating with his subtlety and thoughtfulness.  Furthering the superb musical experience is a simple, yet catchy chorus: “What’s chasing you? (Ooh) / What’s chasing you? (Ooh)” Ultimately, “What’s Chasing You” thrives thanks to strong vocals, vintage production, and simple, yet pleasant songwriting.

“Beautiful Dress” 

The soulful “Beautiful Dress” begins once more with guitar, the key instrument throughout Make Way for Love.  Another ballad, Williams paints the backdrop with his buttery-smooth, dignified, pipes.  After exhibiting restraint throughout the first verse and chorus, the intensity picks up on the second – more oomph dynamically, instrumentally, and vocally.  The chorus is a major selling point.

“Party Boy” kicks up the tempo, starkly different compared to the opening trio.  While Williams is working with a much spryer pace, he remains in control, never forcing things.  Even the f-bomb he utters feels natural.  Things slacken once more on “Can I Call You,” which sounds depressed, enigmatic, and foreboding.  The minor key signature, harmonic progression, and old-school production help propel “Can I Call You” to the highest of heights.  Again, Williams shines vocally, notably by opting for a restrained, yet emotional approach.

“Love is a Terrible Thing” 

The plight that is love rears its ugly head on the dramatic, emotionally-driven “Love is a Terrible Thing.”  This piano ballad (for the most part) finds Marlon Williams at his best. “Love is a Terrible Thing” represents another great harmonic moment for Make Way for Love with its unique chords and progression.  The melody is complex, haunting, and simply breath taking. His vocals are ‘pitch-perfect.’ The brief “I Know a Jeweller” picks up the pace and returns to a more ‘standard’ progression.  Even with more BPM on his side, Williams maintains balance and poise. 

The pace slackens once more on “I Didn’t Make a Plan.” Moody from the jump, “I Didn’t Make a Plan” is set once more in a minor key, accompanied initially by rhythmic acoustic guitar and sober piano. Drums provide an anchor following the first verse and chorus. William’s pipes continue to be the ‘story’ on “The Fire of Love,” assisted by a unique harmonic scheme and of course moodiness.  The lyrics are poetic.

“Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore” 

Marlon Williams and Aldous Harding make a brilliant pair on gem “Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore”. Harding gets first blood, exhibiting pure, robust vocals. The initial accompaniment is simple guitar, which is lush and appealing.  Williams arrives on the following line, taking command of the verse.  He delivers equally glorious vocals.  Eventually, following another verse in a similar vein, the two join forces, in exquisite harmonies, singing the titular lyric.  With combined forces comes expanded production that’s more dynamic and fuller in instrumentation. Williams dominates the end of the song, which contrasts the majority.

“Make Way for Love” concludes the album soulfully. By soulfully it means that the title track legitimately sounds like a 50s-60s early R&B cut.  It also has a dash of country sensibility as well, sans the twang.  Great final statement from Williams.

Final Thoughts 

Marlon Williams easily delivers one of the best albums of 2018 with Make Way for Love.  Will the album get its just due? Only time will tell.  Regardless, Williams proves himself to be a truly compelling singer-songwriter. His musicianship is noteworthy.  

Gems: “What’s Chasing You,” “Beautiful Dress,” “Can I Call You,” “Love is a Terrible Thing,” “Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore” & “Make Way for Love”

Marlon Williams • Make Way for Love • Dead Oceans • Release: 2.16.18

Photo Credit: Dead Oceans