B-Side Guys

Sam Setton’s latest album, “8 Years New Tears,” is a deeply personal odyssey through the landscape of love, loss, and rebirth. Released on July 5, 2024, this 33-minute, 10-track collection serves as a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the evolution of emotions. Setton, a NYC native, has crafted a work that is both introspective and universally relatable, inviting listeners to join him on a journey of self-discovery and emotional renewal.

The album opens with its title track, “8 Years New Tears,” setting a reflective tone that permeates the entire work. Setton’s vocals, tinged with a mixture of nostalgia and hope, immediately draw the listener into his world. The song serves as a perfect introduction, encapsulating the album’s central themes of time’s passage and the cyclical nature of emotional experiences.

“TLV” follows, injecting a dose of vibrant nostalgia into the mix. This track showcases Setton’s ability to paint vivid sonic pictures, transporting the listener to the sun-soaked streets of Tel Aviv. The contrast between the warmth of the memories and the underlying current of longing adds depth to the album’s emotional palette.

The previously released single “New Emotions” marks a turning point in the album’s narrative. Setton’s vulnerable delivery, coupled with the song’s simple yet effective instrumentation, perfectly captures the universal desire for change and growth. The track’s progression from melancholy introspection to a glimmer of self-determination mirrors the album’s overall arc.

“Obsessed!” provides a change of pace, its high-energy beat and catchy hooks capturing the intoxicating rush of new infatuation. This track demonstrates Setton’s versatility as an artist, proving he’s equally adept at crafting danceable pop as he is at penning introspective ballads.

The album takes a somber turn with “Pain Me 4ever,” a raw and emotional exploration of enduring heartache. Setton’s vocals are particularly poignant here, conveying a depth of pain that’s palpable. The stark contrast between this track and the preceding “Obsessed!” highlights the album’s exploration of love’s highs and lows.

“My Heart Could Be Yours” introduces a note of cautious optimism. The tender vulnerability in Setton’s voice, paired with gentle instrumentation, creates an intimate atmosphere that draws the listener in. This song marks a shift in the album’s emotional trajectory, hinting at the possibility of new love and healing.

“Colour” bursts onto the scene next, its vibrant production and uplifting lyrics symbolizing a rediscovery of joy. This track feels like a celebration of emotional rebirth, with Setton’s vocals exuding a newfound confidence and zest for life.

The warmth continues with “Mexico,” a song that evokes feelings of escape and renewal. Setton’s skillful songwriting shines here, as he weaves together themes of travel, self-discovery, and emotional healing.

“Being w You” brings the album’s journey full circle, celebrating the intimacy and joy of newfound connection. The contrast between this track and the album’s opening songs is striking, showcasing Setton’s growth both as a person and an artist.

The album concludes with “Move to Spain,” a contemplative yet hopeful track that looks towards new horizons. This final song encapsulates the album’s overarching theme of seeking fresh starts and embracing change, providing a satisfying conclusion to the emotional journey.

Throughout “8 Years New Tears,” Setton’s emotive vocals and poignant songwriting shine. His ability to convey complex emotions through his music is remarkable, creating a deeply moving listening experience. The production across the album is polished yet intimate, allowing Setton’s voice and lyrics to take center stage while providing rich, textured backdrops that enhance each song’s emotional impact.

Lyrically, Setton doesn’t shy away from vulnerability. From the raw honesty of lines like “all I care about is me / and I barely like what I see” in “New Emotions” to the hopeful declarations in later tracks, his words resonate with authenticity. The album’s narrative arc, moving from heartbreak and introspection to renewal and hope, feels organic and earned.

Musically, “8 Years New Tears” showcases Setton’s versatility. While rooted in indie pop, the album incorporates elements of electronic, R&B, and even folk influences. This eclectic approach keeps the listening experience fresh and engaging throughout its 33-minute runtime.

What sets “8 Years New Tears” apart is its cohesiveness. Despite exploring a wide range of emotions and musical styles, the album feels like a unified whole. Each song flows naturally into the next, creating a listening experience that’s both varied and consistent.

In conclusion, “8 Years New Tears” is a triumph for Sam Setton. It’s an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing new layers of meaning and musical nuance with each play. Setton has crafted a work that’s deeply personal yet universally relatable, inviting listeners to reflect on their own emotional journeys as they accompany him on his.

As the final notes of “Move to Spain” fade out, listeners are left with a sense of hope and possibility. Setton’s musical journey through “8 Years New Tears” reminds us that while the path of love and self-discovery is often challenging, it’s also filled with moments of beauty, growth, and renewal. This album solidifies Setton’s place as a compelling voice in the indie pop landscape, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating where his musical journey will take him next.