Review: “Begin Again” by Adam Melchor
By Caroline Meade
From newly signed artist Adam Melchor, the song “Begin Again” provides us with comforting reflection and nostalgic acoustic guitars reminiscent of the alternative wave of 2013. With just the first “Da-da-da”’s, the introductory instrumentals conjure the image of a couple moving into their new apartment with no furniture in sight, just two wine glasses and Taco Bell on the floor. Then the lyrics start, and our narrator is alone with a broken tooth. As if the mundaneness of getting hurt alone triggered a passing thought, Melchor says “You said "all good things must end" - Tell me they begin again”. It’s a romantic view on the old locution, and twisted with hope in a way I'm shocked I never heard in a song before. Like a child, Melchor’s most profound lyrics seem like simple contradictions we are mad at ourselves for not saying first. The purity of this phrase grounds the song like a best friend at a party where you don’t know anyone. With a voice reminiscent of the American Authors, but authentic, Adam has a way of making the listener want things to end up okay for him too.
Knowing Adam’s intelligence and love for movie soundtracks, I can’t help but wonder if “Begin Again”’s narrative has anything to do with the cult classic film from 2013. It sure shares its duality of being broken, hopeful, yet able to laugh at oneself.
If you know Melchor’s discography well, you know the seamless way he connects what may seem like an abstract detail into a life lesson and how he is one of the rare musicians that can make you giggle and cry. There is silliness in sadness. When I sat down with Adam for his upcoming interview for Our Era, my final question to him was “What do you prefer to write about: heartbreak or falling in love?”.
He simply responded “Heartbreak, cause it’s funnier”.
He is clearly a man of his word, and it would be wise of every young songwriter to take note of the multidimensional observer, Adam Melchor.
Stay tuned for Issue 3, for Adam’s full interview about his upcoming album.