It's built around intimate guitar textures, with incredible riffs and tightly controlled drums. It begins with a restrained, melancholic vibe, then opens into a brighter, almost euphoric chorus. The music is perfect for that romantic feel of lust, the reverse of what the lyrics offer as you watch someone move on, longing for them to come back to you.
Marriott's vocal performance carries this song. The way he manipulates his voice to show the emotional rollercoaster is unrivalled; he goes from a belt to a whisper, adding to the sensual feeling of longing. His tone supports lyrics like "Don't pretend it's harder to break up / To move on / Than to fake love / That ain't love", moving from bravado to vulnerability and showing true talent in controlling his voice. It's also nice to see a love song that's about a messy story. Ultimately, things don't always work out how you expect, and this song makes that feel okay.
The arrangement is calmer than his previous single 'Burn Down The Disco', letting his vocals settle and feel smoother while giving his great songwriting more room to breathe. The chorus, in particular, still adds that punch without losing the tender undertone. The gradual expansion into a fuller band sound also shows an increasingly mature sense of dynamics.
'Lovestruck' may be a little different from what Marriott's fans expected, but this emotionally revealing side is great to hear. As he turns a familiar breakup narrative into something tense, messy, and painfully believable, he adds grit and style to his music and its meaning. Marriott also released a music video for the single, which is both wonderful and a little weird; you can see for yourself here.
Francesca Wood
Image: 'Lovestruck' Official Album Cover
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