27-year old New Zealand singer-songwriter Marlon Williams thrills on “Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore,” the promo single from his sophomore album, ‘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. Make Way for Love, his second studio album, arrives February 16, 2018.  As of publication, Williams released two singles in advance of the project, including stellar promo single, “Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore.”  He gets a massive assist courtesy of fellow twenty-something New Zealand singer-songwriter, Aldous Harding.

“Isn’t it strange, impossible to claim your reward.” Ah, Aldous Harding gets first blood on “Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore,” exhibiting pure, robust vocals. The initial accompaniment is simply guitar. Simple it may be, the sound is lush and ultimately, appealing.

Marlon Williams arrives on the following line, taking command of the verse.

“I cannot explain, emotions I can barely afford to contain / You’re the same, you hide away from anything that turns you on / Nobody gets what they want anymore.”

Williams delivers equally alluring, 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 is different than the majority.

“What am I going to do when you’re in trouble / And you don’t call out for me…”

Final Thoughts

Marlon Williams and Aldous Harding make a brilliant pair on “Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore.” Both have stellar voices and exhibit excellent control, never over- nor under-singing.  The songwriting is emotional and relatively simple, yet incredibly thoughtful.  All in all, a winner.

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

Photo Credit: Dead Oceans