Returning after a strong run of singles and releases, the independent artist and superbly versatile producer Ran Nir reemerges with the latest single, “New Joy.” A self-produced anthem with more than mantra writ large, Nir’s newest single is full of introspection while retaining its catchiness baked in the beats. In “New Joy,” Nir proves his merit as a musician capable of making sounds that feel good to the ear and the heart.
Beginning with its opening note, “New Joy” lures you with radiant synth melodies and catchy, grooving drum patterns. It’s a track that feels impossible to stand completely still, too, yet under the infectious groove is a thoughtful, nuanced message. The high points here are rife with joy, but Nir’s introspective songwriting gives the album much of its character, rushing between all those peaks. It’s a surface-layer-thing song with deep substance.
The song’s hook rises, inducing a feeling of lift and liberation that works beautifully with its sunny disposition. The music has a light radiance that sounds expansive and intimate, and you can get lost in the feel-good energy while tapping into an emotional undercurrent. Enlisting Alice Rose Smith on the backing vocals, the collaboration between the two artists results in a deeply resonant, swirling listening experience that adds even greater emotional weight to the song. The seamless harmonization from all of their voices provides the perfect counterpoint to the song’s driving rhythm and playful melodies.
“New Joy” primarily draws musical comparisons to indie-pop mainstays like Vampire Weekend, Two Door Cinema Club, and Bastille, but Nir adds a special sauce to the recipe. Production-wise, his work has the authenticity, freshness, and totality of sound that comes with self-production. The track’s thumping, punchy melodies, shimmering synth design, and subtle rhythms capture the sensibility of indie-pop but deliver it with a refreshing twist.
And if you want to dance, reflect, or embrace the optimism of a new day, “New Joy” is the soundtrack you need. It’s a song that encourages people to appreciate the little things, embrace the moment, and welcome the new opportunities that life presents daily.
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