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Kodaline – One Day at a Time

Kodaline – One Day at a Time | Album review

After a successful tour and a phenomenal performance at Camden’s Roundhouse last year, Kodaline were probably picturing an album release a little different to the one they got this month. One Day at a Time is the fourth album from the Irish band, who originally came onto the music scene in 2013 with their debut album In a Perfect World, which included songs such as High Hopes and All I Want.

Seven years later and two more albums under their belts, Kodaline have created a reputation for themselves with their joyful melodies and lyrics about love and longing. While their second album, Coming Up for Air, featured songs fit for a euphoric film sequence, this album is stripped back and offers a more intimate sound.

Themes of love and loss remain central to the album however, with tracks like Saving Grace making an emotional impact from the first verse. The strip back on the production of songs like this and Wherever You Are offer Kodaline a new sound, one that pushes them into more vulnerable territory. The Evening follows this pattern with sweet highs and gentle lows, as the lyrics are calling out for a loved one. In these unusual times, it’s undoubtedly a song that many of us will be able to relate to.

Make no mistake though, Kodaline are staying arena-ready. Sometimes is a joyous anthem that will surely radiate a bright positivity across a live audience, challenging everyone not to sing along.

As an album, One Day at a Time feels – whether intentionally or not – the most raw and authentic of their collection. The songs stand out individually on their own: something that many bands of a similar calibre often miss as their album numbers grow. When venues open again, Kodaline will naturally come into their own with this album. There’s something for everyone and each song will stay with you long after the final verse is sung.

Grace Walsh
Photo: Luc Coiffait

One Day at a Time is released on 12th June 2020. For further information or to order the album visit Kodaline’s website here.

Watch the video for Saving Grace here:

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