A rising star on the New York, USA-scene, Ian McFarland’s music has now reached us on this side of the pond thanks to his new album, You Are So Loved.

By Graeme Smith

You Are So Loved is a wholesome introduction to Ian’s sound. Opening with its bright and positive title track, as listener you are instantly struck by the record’s warmth. Ian emotes beautifully with his vocals during a stripped-back first verse before things go full rock and roll as the track hits its stride. There’s a delicious meta-narrative in its lyrics that mark it out from the crowd.

It’s a strong opener for an album that’s rich with highlights. Vampire Weekday nicely pays tribute to the raw energy of the adjacently-named ’00s indie pop band. I Searched The World is a vibrantly expansive number with plenty of oomph. Irish Goodbye slows things down for an acoustic moment. All I Need closes the album in swaggering, storytelling style.

For all its unbridled optimism, Ian McFarland’s new album is not lightweight. There’s plenty to delve into across its nine tracks. Yet, if you wish to, you can also simply sit back and bask in its sunniness. Sometimes that’s all we need.

You Are So Loved is out now and you can give it a listen below.