Ryan Beatty, Ribbons | Track Review

Pop singer/songwriter Ryan Beatty impresses on his ballad “Ribbons,” the promo single from his third studio album, Calico.

Reflective piano is one of many glorious production touches on “Ribbons”, the first Ryan Beatty single of 2023.  Beatty, formerly a teen pop artist and associated with BROCKHAMPTON (though not a member), is releasing his third studio album, Calico, on April 28, 2023.  Focusing on the production once more (Beatty and Ethan Gruska), in addition to reflective piano, “Ribbons” features more ear catching keys, as well as strings.  In fact, nearly the final minute-and-a-half of the song is instrumental.  Ultimately, the backdrop is one of the big selling points of “Ribbons.”

Of course, the best touch regarding “Ribbons” are the vocals by Ryan Beatty.  Simply put, he has a gorgeous tone and excels at balladry. Another pro for is the vocal production, which has consistently amplified his solo music.  A tuneful melody bodes well too as Beatty sings about the plight of love/ fleeting love (“It took all of California / To remind you while you came / … Ribbons running down your face / ‘Cause you’ve never known love like that”).  Things grow more depressing in the second verse, where Beatty asserts, “And suddenly you’re older / Spinning the turnstile over and over / Who’s gonna hold you while you sleep? Well, / It’s brave to be nothing to no one at all.” Thought-provoking for sure… and sad .

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Ribbons” is a nice preface to Calico.  The song is well written, authentically performed, and thoughtfully produced.  As a fan of Ryan Beatty, I would love to see the handsome, talented, openly gay musician get far more recognition.  He’s a vibe.  “Ribbons,” too, is a vibe. WORD.

via GIPHY

Ryan Beatty • Calico • Warner Music UK • 4.28.23

[: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; Warner Music UK; OpenClipart-Vectors, PIRO via Pixabay]