A transplant from the northeast currently residing in Nashville, TN, Brian Cooney is a seasoned performer with an impressive history. Describing his background as “somewhat diverse”, Cooney received his formal musical education from Berklee College of Music and his worldly experience working as a performer and songwriter for over 30 years. Combining this with his 17 years of experience as a worship pastor creates the recipe for modern, well-executed, faith-based music. Cooney has recently released a single titled Nothing Greater on Bongo Boy Records, and it’s precisely the high-quality work you’d expect from such a seasoned artist – dynamic, moving, and diverse.
Nothing Greater is decidedly piano-driven and anthemic. It has a bit of a retro feel, with chord progressions that elude to the likes of Pink Floyd and other psychedelic greats, but with definitive roots in modern piano rock at its core. The piano itself is deftly played throughout the track – the opening riff in particular is captivating and pulls you in from the very first measure. Add in the soft but intentioned sound of the strings and some light, driving percussion, and there’s very little not to like about this song. It’s executed and produced on a professional level, and the attention to detail and the craftsmanship in its creation doesn’t go unnoticed.
A standout on this single is Cooney’s vocals and the lyrics they deliver. His voice is powerful without being over the top, and it has a great, sincere quality to it that really brings a layer of authenticity to the track. But not to be outdone, his lyrics are of top-tier quality as well, painting somber images of loneliness and struggle before contrasting them with the overwhelming greatness that is God’s love. Despite the gorgeous things going on around them in this track’s instrumentation, the lyrics and vocals shine as the centerpiece the whole way through.
You need not be a practitioner of any faith to appreciate the musicality and creativity in Nothing Greater. A melding of genres and skills, created and recorded with clear passion and intention that’s impossible not to take note of. Brian Cooney‘s latest single is out now on Bongo Boy Records, and while it may be targeted at fans of religious music, anyone who can appreciate true quality songwriting, performance, and production would do well to take a listen to this one.
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BELOW: Listen to Nothing Greater by Brian Cooney and connect with his website and social media platforms. Please support him by visiting him online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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Listen to NOTHING GREATER (SPECIAL EDITION) by BRIAN COONEY:
Stream Nothing Greater on Hear Now