Foy Vance has to be one of the single most talented singer-songwriters of our generation. It's hard to believe such talent exists without ever reaching the audience that his writing ability so richly deserves.

Every music collection should contain at least one copy of Vance's 2013 album Joy of Nothing. The record is a tiny piece of absolute genius, from the opening bars of the uplifting "Closed Hands, Full of Friends", I dare anyone to listen to the opening 3 tracks and not become immediately in awe of all things Vance. The fact that the record was actually written during the breakup of his marriage just adds more depth to what is already a totally immersive experience.

The fact that more people aren't aware of this guy is as staggering as it is heartbreaking. I imagine 90% of Ed Sheeran's live audiences aren't aware that the song he often closes his set with - "Guiding Light" - is actually a Foy Vance song and indeed the final track on "Joy of Nothing".

"Janey" (track 6 on the same album) but also released as a standalone single is a perfect example of everything that Vance represents - it's gentle, compelling, beautifully paced and well - it's just unbelievable!

Go listen, Go love, Go share.

posted by Staff
July 2015