September 19, 2024

Skylight Webzine

Online since 2000

The BARD Band – Angels Got His Back

“Angels Got His Back,” the latest single from New Jersey’s groovy rock-blues ensemble The BARD Band, is a soulful and sad song that mixes classic rock inspiration with an indelible sense of nostalgia and devotion. This piece is a passionate rendition of Vachel Lindsay’s 1912 poem “In Memory of a Child,” and it communicates the poem’s sensitive emotions via a beautiful musical experience. The song begins with classic rock music characteristic of the Doobie Brothers, combined with Southern Rock components to give it an earthy, real vibe. The musical arrangement is particularly rich, with a mix of acoustic and electrical sections that give levels of complexity to the song. Multilayered vocal harmonies add a gospel-like vibe to the song, emphasizing its spiritual significance. The production of “Angels Got His Back” has a throwback feel, similar to the great records of the 1970s. The mastering has a slight, purposeful, nostalgic touch that makes the music feel like a forgotten gem from that era, allowing listeners to think about the golden age of rock. The guitar solo, which lasts from 2:22 to 3:04, is arguably the song’s highlight. The solo, reflecting the spirit of Lynyrd Skynyrd, is a clinic in classic rock guitar technique, recalling of the genre’s great solos from the 1970s. The vocal rendition is authentic and funky, with raw sincerity that reflects the song’s true soul. The singer’s voice is sincere, expressing the words’ blend of sadness and relief. The chorus, with its repeated words of “The angels got him now,” is very touching, providing a sense of warmth and peace that  matches the song’s theme. Lyrically, “Angels Got His Back” is a faithful version of Lindsay’s poem, it fits perfectly in the setting of a rock song. The words and accompanying music  depict a kid being taken by angels through “pleasant lawns and flowers” and “wondrous woods, sweet with eternal spring”. The song honors the purity and magic of childhood, as well as the consoling belief that those who have passed away are secure in the hands of celestial guardians. It’s a song that feels forever young, providing both a nostalgic trip back to 1970s sounds and a sad reminder of the eternal power of love and memory.

Photo Credit: BARD photo courtesy of Jamie Pagliaro

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