B-Side Guys

Relationships may die, but they rarely get a soundtrack quite as clever as Ian Abel’s “Not Our Song.” Released today, this self-aware slice of electro-pop transforms the well-worn territory of relationship closure into something fresh by treating romance like a worn-out record that needs one final spin.

The production, handled by multi-instrumentalist Carey Clayton, creates an intriguing contrast between modern and retro elements. A driving drum-and-bass groove provides the contemporary foundation, while 90s-inspired synth work evokes Bruce Hornsby’s signature sound, creating a sonic palette that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking. Abel’s breathy vocals float above this instrumental backdrop, adding an intimate dimension to the track’s emotional landscape.

“I wanted to write about how a tired relationship can be like getting a song stuck in your head,” Abel explains, “and sometimes the best way to get it out is to play that song one last time.” This concept is brilliantly executed through lyrics that blend musical terminology with relationship dynamics. Lines like “You always made me the B-side / While I was always begging for more” and “No we’re not that good on playback” demonstrate Abel’s skill at maintaining the song’s central metaphor without forcing it.

The track’s structure mirrors its thematic content, building from verses that examine the complexities of revisiting a failed relationship (“I know I shouldn’t do this rewind shit with you but / I gotta see you again”) to a chorus that provides categorical closure: “You fucked with my heart for too long / This is not our song / We’re so played out.” The progression feels natural and earned, leading to a final verse that acknowledges the bittersweet nature of letting go without undermining the song’s resolute conclusion.

This release represents another strong entry in Abel’s growing catalog of alternative pop gems. The Brooklyn-based artist, who has performed with luminaries like Nile Rodgers and on stages including Carnegie Hall, brings his extensive musical experience to bear in crafting a pop song that feels both accessible and artistically accomplished. Following his recent EP Karma’s a Bitch, “Not Our Song” suggests Abel is hitting his stride as a songwriter capable of transforming personal experience into universally resonant pop music.

The track is accompanied by what’s described as a “quirky” music video, and a clean radio edit is also available for broader airplay. Local fans can catch Abel performing the song live at C’mon Everybody in Brooklyn on January 17th, where its intricate production will be put to the test in a live setting.

“Not Our Song” succeeds as both a standalone pop confection and a thoughtful exploration of relationship dynamics. By maintaining the musical metaphor throughout without becoming precious about it, Abel has crafted a breakup song that manages to be both clever and emotionally authentic – no small feat in a genre often dominated by one or the other.