Just looking at the cover art for this single, I felt an air of humor and professionality, in the gentle color palette, and Noel’s fantastic shot, full of perplexity. Listening did not disappoint either.
Birmingham, Alabama is where Noel Johnson’s base of operations is. With a ton of contradicting influences, including Post Malone, Queen, and The Beach Boys, it was bound for his music to have a quirky sound. So Serious is a song about self-reflection and betrayal. Its electronics make a grand statement, bombastic, but paired with Noel’s introspective, restrained delivery, they are put in their perfect spot. The solid, slow groove is punchy and effective with the fuzzy synth bassline. A haunting choir hits, beautifully performed and masterfully orchestrated in a moment that clearly displays Noel Johnson’s wholesome songwriting talents.
The wonderful production can not be ignored. The sound is polar from the charismatic, organic vocals, and the heavily processed drums and bass, creating an amazingly compelling contrast, that alone, sells the song.
Noel Johnson’s latest single is a groovy, bombastic groove, with a classy, rich edge. A truly unique single that will get your body moving, and your mind thinking about those witty lyrics.