REVIEW: Ajay Mathur — Real (SINGLE)
Singer/Songwriter Ajay Mathur encourages you to reunite with your true self with his new single “Real.” Off of Mathur’s new album Talking Loud “Real” is a sun-drenched track that asks, who are you in the real world? “Real” couldn’t be more timely in a world dominated by social media where people often forget there’s a world outside of it. With upbeat and witty lyrics, Mathur and co-writer Mary Lou von Wyl use optimistic and humorous lyrics to promote the joys of self discovery outside an app. “Real” is soaked in positivity and a joyous aura that makes it captivating from the moment the song starts. The melody of “Real” is that sunny Americana rock we all know and love that makes you feel like the suns eternally shining. Mathur has a crafted a song that you could put on anytime of the year, in any mood, and you’ll feel better.
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Mathur is known for his eclectic sound that is utterly limitless. His mix of contemporary and classic music is what keeps his music so refreshing in an industry of fast-moving trends. There’s something familiar about “Real” yet it seems to maintain an identity of its own. Just when you think you know where Mathur is taking “Real” he does the opposite. While the subject matter is asking philosophical questions, “Real” never turns into a serious anthem about the pitfalls of social media. Mathur maintains the joyous and lively rhythm throughout the song as he reminds fans of the benefits of interacting with each other. When Mathur sings, “And there’s something I need to know/Are you real?” It doesn’t feel contrived or like a jab, it feels like he’s really asking, are you being yourself in reality? This question and theme hits deeper because its set to such a carefree melody. The warmth of “Real” balances out the depth that Mathur reaches, creating a track that cuts deep without wounding you.
Mathur is a Swiss based artist with Indian roots that does Americana Rock better than most homegrown artists. It feels like Mathur was born to sing in the classic rock format. While his voice may be suited to Americana, Mathur is in no way fearful of exploring other genre’s, in fact I believe this is what imbues his songs with a sense of freedom. His willingness and eagerness to explore other genre’s, gives “Real” an air of fearlessness. Its not often you come across a song where you can hear the singers comfort, charisma, and joy. Mathur sings with an openness that is intoxicating. Mathur’s artistry is impossible to miss on this track, he blends the best of that beautiful guitar riff with a relaxed and even performance. There is so many layers packed into “Real” that you would never expect to feel in such an upbeat song.
It should come as no surprise that the joys of human interaction are far more compelling than anything conducted on an app. It wasn’t until I listened to “Real” that I realized so little songs are actually about the world outside of social media. With more and more people experiencing things like ghosting, catfishing, and curated lifestyles it can be easy to forget that there is a life outside of all of that. That social media is its own little universe that you can choose to partake in or not. “Real” uses the simplest of reminders to jog you back into the real world with lyrics like, “You can look into my eyes/You can walk with me” and “You can feel my hands are warm/You can talk to me.” Its simple, but Mathur is spot on with those lyrics that celebrate the joys of being alive and connecting with someone else.
“Real” is a celebration and a reminder of the little things that make the real world so remarkable. Mathur has expertly crafted a song that will get you thinking about who you are in the offline, without condemning you for being active on social media. With swift and effortless melodies that will make you long for warmer months “Real” is an instant classic. Mathur’s timeless sound makes me so excited to see what else he explores on Talking Loud. Take a break from social media and kick back with Ajay Mathur’s “Real,” you won’t regret it!
Colin Jordan
