"Only One" by Yes the Raven (Alan Mearns)

“Only One” by “Yes the Raven” (Alan Mearns) is one of those songs that finds its way into your brain and won’t leave until you listen to it for a thousand times on repeat. Alan masterfully evokes Bach and combines it with a soulful singing that leaves you wanting for more. I was driving from Florida to Bloomington one night, and I felt the need to listen to this song again, as I passed the dark shadows of trees by the side of my car. I increased the volume almost all the way to the top… the guitar flows like water. Alan’s technique is formidable and this simply perfect arpeggio pattern comforts the listener warmly like a chimney in a cabin in a rainy day. The soft voice is gently placed on top of this harmonic foundation and it just feels perfect. Every time I got around the 5th verse, the chord progression, the dissonance, the texture, and the intensity builds to a point that just takes me to bliss. I listened to this song on repeat, and I got Goosebumps time after time. Although I don’t understand the lyrics as well as I wish, the music itself is evocative and connects with you. I can’t help but make this song an important part of my music memory. I am quite sure that when I listen to this song in a distant future, there will be nostalgia and many other positive emotions. I am so glad I discovered this artist.
​
“And when you take your bow
Before that golden cow
Lie like you've always done
Say I'm the only one”  

Carlos Bedoya, 03/29/23

---

Alan's Website