Kodaline’s brand-new fourth-album, One Day at a Time, sees the band taking a different approach yet going back to their original roots during this new chapter to their career.
Over the 10-track album, the band primarily focused on the emotions that are revealing, unguarded, and immediately relatable.
Frontman Steve Garrigan rips open his heart when he promises, “When the world's getting hard / I will go to wherever you are / Running blind in the dark / I will go to wherever you are,” on the sentimental opening track ‘Wherever You Are’.
‘Sometimes’ is a hopeful track starting off as an acoustic folk song before becoming an anthemic pop number the quartet is known for. Holding nothing back, they discuss all things mental health related making it a memorable release and addition to the album. And with their emotional songwriting, Kodaline are able to pull the listener at their heartstrings
‘Saving Grace’ strikes a chord from the first note on the piano-infused pop offering alongside Garrigan’s voice that is light and emotional singing every note with vulnerability. On the chorus, “When you lose your feet / Fall down to your knees and your heart's about to break/ I will be your saving grace,” there are backing vocals in a gospel arrangement focusing on the mood of togetherness to project, “When your eyes can't see, take my eyes from me / When you're lost and losing faith / I will be your saving grace.”
‘Say Something’ is an emotive, promising track with its soft and soulful vocals, building up amazing harmonies on the infectious, beautiful chorus.
‘The Evening’ accompanied by strings and delicate vocal abilities, it’s a sorrowful track with wishful thoughts becoming a passionate number with surging emotions.
‘Spend It With You’ is a beautiful addition to the album telling a story about a couple who vow to stay together through trying times in a world that hurtles towards its final apocalypse.
‘Care’ showcases an honest account of what many experiences in relationships celebrating the ups and downs in a perfect manner through music.
‘Heart Open’ is an inspiring, uplifting tune sung in a mellow tone. It’s wrapped in beautiful melodies with an impressive ability to pull on the heartstrings of the listener along to the progressive instrumentation.
‘Everyone Changes’ is an emotive addition showcasing their vulnerability in a delicate way. The harmonies are uplifting, accompanied by a sing-along chorus. Garrigan sings, “I can see that all you need is everything I’ll never be,” in a heartbreaking tone that makes it a relatable moment, overall telling a tale about a relationship one wants to work out, but they’re not compatible.
Concluding the album with ‘In The End’ begins slowly progressing into powerful uplifting harmonies during the sing-along chorus. When Garrigan sings, “We forgive, we forget, and move on,” there’s a vulnerability tone present, but a willingness to let go and close this chapter. It’s a great last track with arena-scaled drama.
Although Kodaline draws comparison to other Irish bands, they are able to thrive with their uniqueness and individuality.
Kodaline are Steve Garrigan, Mark Prendergast, Vincent May, and Jason Boland. One Day at a Time, follows their previous album releases of In a Perfect World (2013), Coming Up for Air (2015), and Politics of Living (2018)
Words by Danielle Holian