We listen to a lot of incredible music every day here at The Ark, but coming across a song that gives us chills from the first few measures is a treat as rare as it is exciting. But artist Joe Cleere has done it with his most recent release Innocence (From Your Eyes). This gorgeous, folk/songwriter track takes a beautiful idea and elevates it to the next level with his phenomenal storytelling ability.
Originally from Ireland, Cleere has spent the last few years as a featured vocalist on many successful projects, and his accomplishments include reaching over 30 million Spotify streams and a feature in a 2019 UK box office hit Fisherman’s Friends. This year, Cleere has embarked on his solo musical journey, embracing a singer-songwriter style that he’s introduced to the world with this most recent single. We suspect that if the quality of the music Cleere is releasing remains even remotely similar to what is found in Innocence, he has a long and successful career ahead of him in this genre.
The production is relatively simple and uncomplicated, a welcome find in a track where the story being told absolutely deserves to be at the center of it all. A gentle acoustic guitar later joined by piano and light strings, are the defining attributes of this song’s instrumentation, even as percussion appears towards the middle of the track. The most important instrument in this production, however, is certainly Cleere’s voice. It’s the perfect combination of smoky and sincere, of raspy, soulful, and melodic. It lends a true authenticity to the message he is broadcasting.
Cleere explains that this track was inspired by his own three-year-old son, and his desire to keep him sheltered from the world, ultimately knowing that someday he will have to grow up and face it all. He’s explained this so eloquently in the lyrics, in a way that is relatable to even those who don’t have children of their own. You can feel his raw emotion shine through effortlessly in his words. Some of our favorite lines are in the refrain:
“You don’t know what war is
You don’t know who God is
You don’t know what it’s like to say goodbye.
You never felt a heartbreak
What it is that life takes,
and I don’t want to wipe the innocence from your eyes.”
As an added bonus, check out the official music video below. It features Joe’s son Charlie Cleere exploring a beach in Ireland without a care in the world. It’s perhaps the perfect video accompaniment for this masterpiece of a song.
Overall, this track is unquestionably stunning. It’s an emotive, inspiring, gorgeous piece of music that will melt even the most jaded of hearts. If Joe Cleere is going to continue releasing songs as expertly performed, written, and produced like Innocence (From Your Eyes), we’ll be waiting on his next release with bated breath.
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BELOW: Listen to Innocence (From Your Eyes) and connect with his website and social media platforms. Please support Joe Cleere 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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