B-Side Guys

Nick Granelle’s latest single “Intuition” opens with an intimate bedroom scene that quickly spirals into a broader examination of toxic relationship dynamics. The track masterfully balances its progressive rock ambitions with pop sensibilities, creating an immediately accessible yet musically sophisticated narrative about breaking free from emotional manipulation.

The production expertise Granelle gained at SUNY Purchase shines through in the track’s pristine mix. Each element occupies its own space in the stereo field, from the crystalline guitar work to the carefully layered vocals, creating an expansive soundscape that mirrors the protagonist’s growing self-awareness.

Lyrically, Granelle crafts a compelling journey from confusion to clarity. The opening lines “Baby, now that you’re on the bed/I keep thinking about what you said to me” establish an intimate vulnerability that gradually transforms into determination. The progression through “My friends say you lasso me into your problems” to “I’ll use my intuition” charts a path of emotional growth that feels earned rather than forced.

The song’s arrangement reflects this evolution, building from verses that capture the protagonist’s uncertainty to a chorus that radiates with newfound conviction. Granelle’s production choices support this narrative arc, with subtle dynamic shifts that add weight to key lyrical moments without overwhelming them.

The bridge section “All the games she played were made for me/I seeked her approval” provides a moment of brutal honesty, laying bare the psychological mechanics of a codependent relationship. This raw admission serves as a turning point, both lyrically and musically, setting up the final chorus’s declaration of independence.

Granelle’s background in playlist culture reveals itself in the song’s structure, which manages to be both adventurous and accessible. The progressive elements – sophisticated chord changes and rhythmic variations – are woven seamlessly into a framework that maintains its pop appeal, demonstrating a keen understanding of modern listening habits.

The recurring metaphor of intuition versus reason creates a compelling through-line in the lyrics. When Granelle sings “Running out of reasons/Need some intuition,” he captures the universal moment of realizing that logic alone can’t navigate matters of the heart. This theme is reinforced by production choices that alternate between structured verses and more fluid, emotionally driven choruses.

By the final refrain, the protagonist’s transformation is complete, with “She’s not worth the mess I’m livin’ in” delivered with a conviction absent from earlier iterations. The production mirrors this evolution, with the mix opening up to embrace a fuller, more confident sound that suggests emotional liberation.

This single demonstrates why Granelle has found success in New York’s indie scene, from Arlene’s Grocery to Rockwood Music Hall. It’s a sophisticated piece of songwriting that manages to be both personally specific and universally relatable, wrapped in production that serves both the story and the song.