Drawing us in with an intimate mandolin soundscape with bass, textured drums and a playful dimensionality, Mark Andrew Hansen opens One of a Kind with poetic prowess and a charm as he sings, “You are one of a kind, and you shine so bright, that others are blind, and you are never too far or aloof, you, you are God’s ultimate proof…”
We immediately connect with the timeless, tender and deeply affectionate ode to love. One of a Kind has a brooding, Elvis-like adjacency, and celebrates Mark’s muse, who is extraordinary, radiant and emotionally grounding.
The pizzicato details are sublime, adding dynamism to the piece, which also holds a cinematic allure. There is no doubt that One of a Kind would be perfect for a multitude of sync placements, notably a film like the recent hit, Friends You Meet On Vacation, or a scene in Euphoria on HBO (particularly the current season!).
In a time when society is so divided, we do appreciate the warm affirmations and lyrics that paint a picture of someone special, kind, wise… and divine. Naturally, we vibe with this spiritual and reverent tone. Overall, the song serves as a classic, heartfelt tribute to unconditional love, and the comfort of finding someone who feels perfect in the eyes of the beholder. Mark says, “This song is about seeing clearly the beauty of life on Earth and in particular the uniqueness of each individual. The lyrics address loving a friend or partner or even oneself.”
Mark Andrew Hansen cites Chopin, Keith Jarrett, Billy Joel, Elton John and James Taylor as sonic inspirations, which definitely explains his timeless disposition, but there is also no doubt that he is creating a universe unto his own design. With reference to the epic horn section, Mark also confesses, “Oddly enough Sibelius: Symphony No. 5 near the end of the 3rd Movement influenced the horn section in the middle of the song. The rhythms and guitar were influenced by Eric Clapton.”
It is no surprise that Mark’s unwavering passion has propelled him to over 100 million streams, award recognition, and commercial placements. Needless to say, we are in awe, and have added One of a Kind to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream Mark Andrew Hansen‘s wider discography, including the entirety of Mountains: Love Song Collection 4.