Drawing us in with a timeless yet emotionally strummed acoustic guitar energy, Sara Gerdine opens Déjà Vu with poetic prowess and a conceptual message as she sings, “I think I’ve seen your face before, familiar, but I’m not sure, but when you walked through that door, oh can it be… Your eyes they say so many things, life’s funny way it seem, oh but could it be, you’re a Déjà Vu to me…”
We immediately connect with the relatability of the song. We have all met someone who feels familiar, on a celestial level, we might think that we have met them in a previous life. These people often come into our realities for a reason and the way that Sara Gerdine has brought the concept to life is sublime.
Her high emotional quotient and raw authenticity are tangible. The country-pop ballad arrangement is intricate, featuring twangs, piano riffs and textured drums that bring the song to life.
There is a real warmth to the instrumentation. It feels organic and familiar, and Sara’s expressive delivery gives the song its own resonance.
There is a gentle spiritual quality running through the song. It makes us think about soul connections and how sometimes a stranger can feel more familiar than someone we have known for years. We love that Sara leaves room for this mystery rather than trying to explain it.
We can imagine Déjà Vu landing a synch placement in Voicemails from Isabelle, Past Lives, The Lake House, The Age of Adaline, Serendipity, The Notebook and Before Sunrise. On television, it could fit well in a show like Outlander, Normal People, One Day, The Time Traveler’s Wife and The OA. Fans of The Corrs, Kacey Musgraves, Brandi Carlile, First Aid Kit and Taylor Swift’s more folk-inspired songs will find plenty to connect with.
Originally from the west of Ireland, Sara Gerdine blends folk, Americana and country influences with the expressive depth of classical vocal training. Following her European Folk category win at the InterContinental Music Awards for Sky Blue, she continues to build a distinctive musical identity. With performances at Celtic Connections, Galway Fringe Festival and Boyle Arts Festival, she is steadily making her presence felt.
Needless to say, we are obsessed with Déjà Vu and have added the track to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream Sara’s exquisite, wider discography including The Star You Are, and of course, Sky Blue.