Chris Quesnel’s new single, Disconnected, is a poignant evolution in his artistic journey, a masterclass in emotional resonance wrapped in sleek pop production. While his debut release, Cherry Chapstick, was a reflective dive into love, heartbreak, and self-discovery through an alternative pop-rock lens, Disconnected finds Chris fully embracing radio-ready pop sensibilities without sacrificing depth or authenticity. This track, crafted in collaboration with producer JD20, exemplifies a seamless blend of accessibility and profound emotional weight, positioning it as a hallmark in Chris’s catalog.
The song’s thematic foundation – regret, longing, and hope – unfolds with a striking vulnerability. The lyrics draw us into an intimately familiar narrative: the pain of a relationship’s end and the agonizing “what ifs” that follow. Chris’s raw delivery makes lines like “I never thought that I / Would leave your crib for the last time…” feel like confessions, as though he’s sharing a part of himself he hasn’t yet fully reconciled. It’s this unvarnished sincerity that transforms Disconnected from a mere pop song into a cathartic experience.
Musically, Disconnected is a sonic leap forward for Chris. Drawing inspiration from Justin Bieber, The Kid LAROI, and Knox, the track weaves atmospheric production with heartfelt vocals to create an immersive emotional soundscape. The melody, effortlessly catchy, carries the weight of the lyrics, striking a delicate balance between buoyant pop hooks and melancholic undertones. The production, while polished, retains a raw edge, a testament to the setting of its creation, Chris’s parents’ basement, a humble space imbued with nostalgia and personal significance.
At its heart, the song wrestles with dualities: distance versus proximity, closure versus lingering hope. The recurring question, “Who you with tonight? / Cause I should be the one by your side,” captures the torment of unrequited desire and the self-inflicted anguish of imagining a former lover with someone else. Chris’s voice, drenched in longing, conveys these emotions with aching clarity. The refrain is a plea wrapped in regret, its simplicity amplifying the universality of his sentiment.
The bridge, where Chris admits, “I think I’ve reached my ceiling / There ain’t no rhyme or reason for this,” crystallizes the despair that often accompanies loss. Yet, it’s not all desolation. The closing lines offer a glimmer of hope, albeit fragile: “Pick up the phone, don’t let me dance alone.” It’s a desperate but sincere appeal, underscoring the human need for connection and the refusal to completely let go.
What sets Disconnected apart is its relatability. Chris taps into the shared human experience of heartbreak, crafting lyrics that resonate universally while remaining deeply personal. Lines like “I’m falling down the deep end…” and “With these other girls it ain’t the same, I can’t lie…” articulate the difficulty of moving on and the inescapable pull of nostalgia. The imagery is cinematic, driving aimlessly through the night, passing the place where love first sparked, clinging to fading memories, painting a vivid portrait of emotional turmoil.
Chris Quesnel’s evolution as an artist is palpable in Disconnected. While Cherry Chapstick hinted at his philosophical depth and DIY authenticity, this new release showcases his ability to meld introspection with commercial appeal. The track feels destined for both personal playlists and radio airwaves, a testament to its broad appeal. Yet beneath its polished exterior lies the soul of an artist unafraid to explore the messiness of human emotion.
In Disconnected, Chris invites us to sit with our own memories of love and loss, to feel the ache of what could have been while holding onto the sliver of hope that maybe, just maybe, some stories aren’t finished yet. It’s a song for late-night drives, solitary reflections, and shared heartbreaks – a piece of music that, much like its creator, is beautifully and unapologetically human. We have added Disconnected to our New Music Spotlight playlist, whilst we immerse ourselves in the music video and continue to stream Cherry Chapstick!