Our obsession with Barry Muir seems to grow with every listen! We previously featured the star with his search for a muse on She’s a Little Wildflower, and then for the emotive and evocative single, Home In A New York Minute, so, naturally, we were curious to hear his latest release, Smoke Filled Room!
Smoke Filled Room manifests as a cinematic, jazz-laced reverie. It is the kind of song that instantly sets the mood. Opening with intricate, guitar-driven textures and expanding with R&B vocals, luscious strings, and a vibrant, narrative-driven style of songwriting, we are immediately enthralled.
The arrangement is luscious and layered. The strings sweep through to bring to life a cinematic allure which would be perfect for a range of sync deals – perhaps a film like Babygirl, or All of You. The mix itself feels timeless, balancing notions of nostalgia and sophistication.
Vocally, Barry Muir always delivers with effortless charm. His tone is warm and grounded. It evokes both vulnerability and strength. The lyrics, co-written with long-time collaborators Joanne Stacey and Lucy LeBlanc, lean into situational storytelling with poetic prowess. In essence, it is the story of two former lovers meeting again. We love how the tension, the memory, and the spark that refuses to die are brought to life. It almost feels slow motion in its design!
What we appreciate most about Smoke Filled Room is its emotional authenticity. The sentiment of human connection is brought to life in a relatable and tangible manner. The song’s jazz undertones and R&B rhythm create a smooth, lived-in vibe that feels effortlessly cool.
Having been part of iconic Canadian acts like The Payola$, Barney Bentall and the Legendary Hearts, and The Blue Shadows, Barry Muir brings decades of craftsmanship to his artistry. We learn that Smoke Filled Room is part of Canvas, his forthcoming eleventh album.
Naturally, we are captivated and have added Smoke Filled Room to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Barry Muir, and anticipate the entirety of Canvas!