Five years–I have been waiting for this album for five long years and it’s finally here. Roy Blair is an artist I’ve been loyal to since I was about 13 years old, so him finally dropping some more music is a really big deal for me.
You may think he’s just another alternative/indie artist, but it’s so much more than that to me. I have been dreaming of having more of his work shared with me for so long, so I want to take the time and share it with you.
“Chasing Moving Trains” is Roy Blair’s sophomore album that hit streaming platforms on Nov. 1 this year and explores a multitude of different topics. Primarily, it follows his search for his own identity regarding influences like ambition, love, isolation and more. Vulnerability and emotional fulfillment are key themes throughout and all tie back to Blair’s self-search.
Tracklist
“Karaoke” – While I’m not generally a huge fan of long outros in songs, I’m not sure this is one that I’ll skip. Rather than just being a transitional piece for the next track, I think it does a good job of wrapping it all up. In a song that takes the time to reflect on past memories and situations, it brings the song to an end and pushes us forward. Overall rating: 4/5.
“Amberwood” – Rather than serving as a piece of reflection, this track has a focus closer related to reality and the realizations it holds. Diving deeper into his ambitions and what followed in trying to achieve them, Blair gives insight into how it clashes with the underlying desire for connections. Overall rating: 4.5/5.
“Belmont” – On this track, we see Blair painting a better picture of dating in the modern age. It takes a look at the complexities that come with trying to navigate a relationship, let alone one that is tied in with the chaos of his up-and-coming urban life. We see glimpses of memories and how Blair had tried to manage. Overall rating: 3.5/5.
“Hummingbird” – To contrast the latter, this song takes a perspective where Blair is longing for a balance between his ambition and affection that comes from uplifting a potential partner. While it is not clear in the song, hummingbirds are known to represent the end of challenging times and the beginning of the healing process, so I think this was a great metaphor to use. Overall rating: 3.5/5.
“Clear” – Unlike the name, this track goes to show how unclear living is, particularly in the uncertainty that comes from a bustling city as you try to meet your dreams. It highlights the struggles and isolation one can fall into and the need to seek clarity when things seem chaotic. Overall rating: 3.5/5.
“Panavision” – This track has jumped to be one of Blair’s most listened-to songs following its use as a teaser for the release of this album, and I think it deserves all the recognition it’s getting. Tying in with themes we have seen previously on this album, this track demonstrates an even further struggle between trying to reach your ambitions all while reaching personal goals and dreams. To reach the success you have set for yourself, sometimes there is an unequal balance between the two and the answer isn’t clear. Overall rating: 5/5.
“Plum” – Highlighted throughout the track, Blair’s reluctance takes an overwhelming presence. Between his desires and the directions they pull him, Blair points out how his reluctance to fulfill them is disregarded. As the two pull him in different directions, he is forced to assess his aspirations and what he wants to identify him. Overall rating: 3.5/5.
“Chasing Moving Trains” – This title track takes the time to further depict Blair and his longing for connection within his busy world. This is a metaphor often used to describe the relentless pursuit of happiness and the journey one’s life is taking. The overarching theme of finding an identity you resonate with while simultaneously connecting with those around you is evident here. Overall rating: 5/5.
“Rain” – Like other songs talking about his experiences with love, this track talks about Blair’s experiences with it and the emotional distance that follows. Blair continues the search for love, this time longing for the understanding that comes with it. Overall rating: 4.5/5.
“Strawberry” – We’ve already established that the nuances of love are apparent in this album, and this track is no different. However, the tone in which the message is delivered is different from the rest. Compared to other tracks on this album, “Strawberry” is wildly upbeat and is easily my favorite out of them all. It sets the stage for reflection on fleeting romance and how its carefree nature is simultaneously a bittersweet one. Overall rating: 5/5.
“Garden” – The album is closed out by a nearly 10-minute track that serves as a reflective piece for both Blair and this album. From talks of self-discovery and the healing that was able to be done in the process, Blair notes his past experiences and relationships. It’s important that he notes such topics, as they have all come together and contributed to how he has grown–like a garden. This track serves to remind everyone that such growth is possible, as well as the idea that relationships require vulnerability and care if you want them to flourish. Overall rating: 4/5.