Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy delivers a thoughtful single, “Like Gold,” which finds him reminiscing on a past relationship.

Vance Joy is an up-and-comer, at least stateside.  From Australia, the singer-songwriter made some noise with his single “Riptide” from his debut album (Dream Your Life Away, 2015).  Now, in preparation for his sophomore album, he drops single, “Like Gold.” Like “Riptide,” the results are once again positive.

“Like Gold” commences with acoustic guitar accompaniment, confirming the folksy, singer-songwriter sound. After limited production initially, “Like Gold” grows fuller in sound, still embracing the acoustic-driven sound.  Vocally, Vance Joy gives a solid performance.  He doesn’t ‘wow’ vocally, but sufficiently and successfully conveys his emotions.  Even where Joy fails to be awe-inspiring vocally, his lyrics pack a punch.  A great example comes on the first verse:

“…Hanging by a thread / Cutting the cord and then falling back into the / Black ‘cause if I don’t / If I wait ‘til it feels right / I’ll be waiting my whole life / Closing my eyes, remember how we were like.”

On the second verse, it’s clear that a past relationship is still on his mind, as he has “…A memory / You’re visiting me at night / Climbing in my bed.”  The best moment of “Like Gold” is the chorus, which is catchy and well-written.

“Gold, when you see me / Hi, if you need me / Babe, that’s the way it was / That’s the history / Blue, how we used to roar / Like an open fire / That’s the way it was / But that’s history.”

Final Thoughts

All in all, Vance Joy serves up a thoughtful, well-written song with “Like Joy.”  He sings it well, though a smidge more assertiveness vocally would’ve been welcome.  Ultimately though, that’s a nitpick. Successful by all means.

Vance Joy • Nation of Two • Atlantic • Release: 2.23.18

Photo Credit: Atlantic