Ali George’s latest single’s name might be an apt description for the man himself.
A sensual singer/songwriter from Bath, Ali’s body of work is lengthy and varied. Having started playing guitar at the wee age of six, he joined his first band at ten and started rocking live venues just one year after. He was just sixteen when he decided that a change of artistic direction was what he needed, as he traded in his electric and got an acoustic that he quickly took around for solo gigs in intimate pubs and cafes around Bath and the surrounding locales. At this point, Ali has released 6 albums of original material that have entered the British National Library’s Permanent Record Collection, managing all the while to evade the spotlight… intentionally or not.
Hard to Find is a sweet song that touches on a number of topics that most listeners will find immediately relatable. Ali goes on to sing about the everyday struggles that people face trying to pursue their dreams amid the hectic pressures of work. He also discusses the difficulties of lockdown restrictions, and the difficulty of living with someone in a lockdown situation, a situation that the vast majority of us will have no problem relating to.
How Ali does this through a delightful, acoustic guitar-based arrangement that’s warm, inviting, and encourages contemplation. The tight, small sound is courtesy of a rhythmic guitar performance that’s effortless and natural, delicately jumping between masterful chord stabs, and colorful lead melodies, all while accommodating Ali’s understated singing style that sounds cozy and heartfelt. The song also boasts a stunning string arrangement that adds incredible depth and detail to the otherwise simple, direct composition.
Ali George may have inadvertently evaded the spotlight in spite of his years of experience, but this carries very little weight when you’re faced with his immaculate vibes and intimate songs, and lyrical choices. As far as I am concerned, Ali George can remain our precious hidden treasure, if that means that he continues providing songs as rich and reaffirming as Hard to Find.