My review of the song: I’ll never be able to explain this song the way I want to, the way I see every genius touch she’s put into it. But I must try. Grace has done it again. This song is the biggest proof of her unparalleled level of musical skills and understanding. I’m certain this explosion of ideas has been brewing for longer than we might think. Now that she has complete control over the song creation process, we are finally seeing the complete and unbridled realization of her artistic expression. This is the greatest set of talents I’ve ever seen in any one musician. Which makes Grace irrefutably and historically important in the world of music. Whenever I think about just how well she understands the secrets of making outstanding music, I always get reminded of a quote by Beethoven: “Don’t only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets, for it and knowledge can raise men to the divine.” I have no doubt that Grace has done exactly that, by the time she was just 12. I see interesting similarities between Faults (and other recents songs she shared) and her earliest songs. The self doubt turning into a triumphant declaration of “I am enough” makes this song as powerful, liberating, relatable and anthemic as I Don’t Know My Name, which was about the search of identity and purpose. Grace’s most expressive and impactful writing comes when she writes about self discovery and empowerment. And Faults is her brand new, most mature, masterpiece. First, the structure of Faults is unique to her other songs. So far her most untraditional style. The choruses have different lyrics but also share three lines. They also sound more like pre-choruses, with an intermediate level of energy. I would classify them as refrains instead. The bridge, which is really an outro, then becomes the most energetic part of the song. Which greatly helps to establish the powerful declaration of “I am enough” as the song ends. The structure also highlights the organically moving melodies, with the words inseparably intertwined with them. Many years of writing terrible songs taught me many things. I learned that this style of composition is the most difficult. Only the most capable songwriters can create great songs in this way. IDKMN and Beautiful Thing were similarly written. I would also say that this sort of writing and composition is only possible if the words flow out of you without having to pause to think. “I complain about myself again and again, a flaw inside of a flaw”. The clarity of thought there is just beautiful. When you think you have flaws and then complain about it, you’re only making it worse for yourself. The words in the outro are especially deep and powerful to me. They complete the narrative of the song with a twist and a bang. I absolutely love the twist and I think it is a pretty unique turn for such a song about self doubt. A twist that in the end clarifies that the faults are never allowed to dictate her worth and what she can do. I won’t try to explain it further because nothing can convey it better than her own words. Lastly, I must address the music and the production. It is honestly beyond anything I would ever expect from someone after just few days of messing with professional audio workstation software. Regardless of age. Every sound in the song worked beautifully with the lyrics and the emotions. The build-up of energy throughout the song was done expertly and uniformly, with a bigger punch in the outro. The subtle cello coming on in the first chorus/refrain. The simple piano arpeggio adding lightness to the deep eerie chords in the second verse. Her own deep humming vocals gets added to that, in the middle of the verse. The drums gradually adding to the energy. The phrase “we’ve got power” getting that appropriate chorus treatment and a sonic lift both times, second time being stronger. The best and the last touch: The chorus on the lyrics below. The chorus gradually loses voice. Ending in just one fragile voice saying “I am enough”. How brilliant is that? All that built up energy taken away to leave her true self out in the open. Still fragile but now assuring the listener that the faults don’t take any power away from her, never did. They are just a disturbance, almost like the built up energy making her sound bigger than she is. Ultimately flawed and fragile, yet complete and powerful. Perfectly imperfect. What astronomical level of artistry right there! This is what happens when a true artist “capable of everything you can see” gains full control over their medium of outlet. Unlike a painter or a poet, a singer-songwriter always has to allow others to have some input on their art, in essence changing it to something not as close to the original vision as it should be. So this is indeed her masterpiece in every sense of the word. I can’t even imagine how she will be presenting her songs in a few years if she keeps producing them herself. “I might be enough Yeah, I am enough I am enough Oh, I am enough I am enough I am enough”
I couldn't add another thing to your analysis, I agree with everything you said Sam! I too am just stunned at how perfect this song is, not that Grace hasn't had perfect songs before, but this one is entirely her creation, just outstanding! What I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall at Syco/Columbia records, sure they're still picking their jaws off the floor while simultaneously slapping each other on the back, thanking their lucky stars they got Grace first!!!
My english is too poor to add anything to your comment - you have said all. Grace is just genius, or sometimes I think few genius personalities in one body watching us and dealing themselves to create and show as blind people thru music/acting/adviceing the truth about us and the good way to better future...
Sam Borgman wow that’s the best comment I’ve ever read on Grace period. If anyone can explain Grace you just did. I’ve got to read it again. Thank you for this brilliant analysis.
This song is a testament to my daughter's songwriting and song composition savant level talent. I love it so very much and as always, her lyrics hit all of us like a brick,, when she talks about acknowledging our own limitations and how we can overcome them with acceptance. We are ENOUGH!
Couldn't agree more. And who does she have to thank for all that talent? Not hard to guess. And so I appreciate you giving us all the opportunity here to express our thanks to both you and Tina!
Thanks Sam great job. This song in my opinion had wonderful potential and could have been explored more and like this there are some more that are really great, but as the music is timeless there is still a lot of time to work. She is talented and her work is sure to always stand out. "Success always"!!!
Grace and her family are sent from God above. She is such a blessing in this time of Covid-19, leader lies and corruption, child abuse, organ sales, etc. God bless you Grace and all your loved ones. Your parents blessed you with your name. Thankyou for your songs.
Yeah !!!!! Her lyrics are as allways, but her voice. I try to remember her voice "I Don't Know My Name" She gets really better by each song she makes. As Simon Cowell saids, "..... because it comes from you. This is the first time in my live I'm in a sort of a fanclub, I do not regret it following this flower that's opening herself bit by bit
She's a fully self contained juggernaut!! She's every aspect of music creation all rolled into one.* From songwriter, composer to singer to arranger/producer... And I would add to that list a deep intellectual, spiritual (self reflective, way beyond her years) understanding of the human condition. All coupled with a golden heart that chooses to use that understanding to inspire and uplift. As she stated in her most heartwrenching acceptance speech ..."I've been blessed for reasons I'll never, ever know." She was born with a magnificent gift. If I could tell her one thing I've learned from my school of hard knocks it would be to never loose sight of the fact that it IS a gift that was given (for reasons we'll never, ever know) and we're merely channels that gift flows through. The moment the ego steps in and we start thinking it's US is the moment we start to loose it. But from what I've been able to gather from the things she says I'd be willing wager she already gets that. I think she'll do just fine... In spite of all her glorious gifts she's also just a "regular" human like the rest of us. Just another Bozo on the bus hacking and blundering our way through life.. LOL... That's what makes her so endearing and accessible. * The only "weak link" in the chain (and even that isn't all that weak) is the technical engineering side of the equation. For example aquiring the skillset required to get a vocal to stand out and up front in a mix... Knowing the right tools required to achieve that and how to use them can take years to develop. But that aside, even lacking that one skillset, what she did put out is highly commendable! Way good enough for most ears. I think I only notice the finer points of the technical side (taking the mix that one more final step of polish) because that's what I've been focussing on for at least a decade. The somewhat under recognized producer side of her talents comes shining forth big time in this masterpiece, but really it had been present from day one in her very first debut song IDKMN. And for that matter all her AGT performances were all written long before she had a producer, and all show an innate understanding of song structure and arrangement one might expect from someone with years of experience and "dues" paid. It really is like alchemy the way she uses chords, melody and harmonies to accentuate the meaning contained in the lyrics. The first part is mostly all minor or suspended chords that convey a sense of feeling unsettled or moody.... Reflecting the theme in the lyrics where she's mulling over her "faults". But the kicker is the way that key line in the whole song that releases and transforms all the tension in the verses and provides a "way out".... "We've got POWER!"... Pops out at you in a powerfully RESOLVING major chord. Major chords conveying a more happy positive vibe. Brilliant!
Sam - thanks for this, and that incredible review. This song is just unreal - and yet it is Grace in a nutshell; "yes, I have flaws; we all do - and without them I wouldn't be me". The sparing use of effects for emphasis, the way she punched up "power" without playing with the volume shows her creativity.
Sam, Thank you for this post and critical review. You are not the first to call this song a "Masterpiece" and you are not wrong. I would add that her use of a harp creates a beautiful segue. I am looking forward to Grace getting back with her band on this one and in particular what she and Melissa can put together as a stripped down acoustic version.
Great Review Sam. I have never been able to put into words why Grace captivates me and leaves me hanging on every word, but you just described her perfectly. Thanks
It took me about 10 times listening to this to get it, to get your observation of it and to see the brilliance in it. Having become aware of Grace a little over two weeks ago this is all new to me. I am astounded at this piece! I really do need to get some earphones for her music so it all comes through. Beethoven's quote is impressive as it applies to Grace because she has/had it, like you said, at the age of 12. The connection between the lyrics and music or melody is like NOTHING I've ever heard. I'm not a musician and have nothing to do with the music industry, just a fan who appreciates excellent song crafting. My favorite artist over the past 15 years has been James McMurtry, for the same reason, but Grace has somehow risen to become my favorite in two weeks. It is fascinating that she is so aware of her talent but not cocky or arrogant about it, a rare quality in any performer at any age. It's also so amazing in this era that so much of an emerging artist is available to us and I really appreciate your efforts in finding it, refreshing it and storing it. I think of all the great artists from the pre '90's era's that have their "previously unreleased" or "bootleg copies" that fans crave but we, as fans, have that available to us now. We get to see all the little details, not just the finished, released songs. A fan for life. An appreciative fan for life. I'm in the GV Universe and loving it.
I envy you :) the tsunami of Grace content hitting you these two weeks must be exhilarating. The joy of finding an artist like this happens once or twice in life.
Oh forgot to say, yes you should get good headphones. Or good speakers. Unlike most singers Grace's voice has so many textures. Most of it can get lost on phone speakers or small speakers or earphones. You need the bigger over the ear type headphones. Ones I use the most is Sennheiser HD598. Make sure to get the "open" version when buying headphones, not "closed". Open ones have better soundstage in a specific price range. There is also a cheaper option from Koss, those are extraordinarily good for the price: Koss KPH30i.
I too, envy you, I stumbled across her 5 months ago, piece of advice, take it nice and slow. Discovering Grace was the best thing that ever happened to me! I am a drummer, I have been in bands, and I am a creature of technical music. I listen to music created by the most advanced musicians on this planet, and to make an accurate comparison, all of the musicians I listen to put together equal The Sun, Grace Vanderwaal Is Betelgeuse! That is how talented she is to me! Example of what I listen too ua-cam.com/video/Q0kUpcCSzn8/v-deo.html Just so you get the idea
@@joshnelson9764 The music on that link seems extremely complex. I'm not a musician so can't even imagine how it's played. What I find interesting is how someone with your experience and knowledge and someone like me can come to the same conclusion about Grace. I'm impressed that you seem more impressed than me, and believe me I'm impressed.
@@SamBorgman Thanks so much for your suggestion on headphones, I received an excellent set of the Sennheiser HD598 "open" version today and they are fantastic.
Sam, you said everything I felt but didn't know how to say. All I can say is, just when you think Grace is the best artist in the universe and you think there is no way she could make something better than the song you just listened to BAM!, here comes another song from Grace that makes you say OMG THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL. Everything Grace does is not only great, it's better.
I’m reading this year old message, and it’s so amazing how accurate we were about her when she first put out this song. Because now a year later at 17, She’s still putting out magical music that continues to blow us away! And there is not one sign of stopping.
I have listened to this song with the lyrics but concentrating on the lyrics is great and gives a better understanding of the depth of the song, listening to just the song, eyes closed allows you to really be immersed in the whole experience, and feel the emotion of the whole creation, and it is a true artistic creation. Thank you for posting Sam.
Sam, you are drop dead center bullseye spot on! You also are extraordinarily insightful. While I was blown away by this song, I didn't analyze it even close to this degree. Wow, just wow! Thank you. Since we have been staying at home, I find myself without a favorite Grace cover, and now without a favorite Grace original. There are TOO many of each to pick just one any more! The only thing that is still true, more true than ever, is I am in awe!
You're right, looks like she has gone back to writing-because-I-was-bored state. That gives her great results obviously. Makes sense too. These songs weren't forced like she has to do at scheduled studio sessions. Forced writing sessions with other people can't compete with the innate need for expression in a creative mind exploding out by itself.
After listening to this many times, it just occurred to me that although the song ends with the powerful yet fragile declaration of "I am enough!", the final percussive note is applause! Happenstance? I think not.
Her music is as different and unpredictable as Beatle music probably was when someone listened to it for the first time. May have seemed far fetched to put her in that kind of company, but with what she's produced now from eleven to sixteen years old, and with songs like THIS (which could have been a Beatle song), that she can do herself from a treehouse in the backyard (maybe bedroom :)). And these snippets she's given us of new music coming up! shees louise!! I am truly bowled over by her! I've never associated anyone to Beatles before. And to say it about a young teenage little girl, who woulda thunk it. Next Beatle? I'm giving her a strong -maybe! And that's just being careful.
Thank you for this Sam, and your review is spot on.Makes me wonder what Vol 2 is going to sound like.Grace has said it is better then Vol 1 and if she making music like this now V 2 gonna be Gold
Would this be the song that she was fiddling with once on one of her livestreams? That was like a few weeks back I think.... As for the song? Wow! This is natural musical talent coupled with hard work. We must not forget that she's a focus hard worker when the music moment hits her; sure she's pretty laid back, but im convinced that there's a musical workshop in her brain that's constantly writing and creating, albeit unconsciously, I don't know if osmosis would be a fitting way of describing that type of natural creative ability: then all at once it's like an uncontrollable sneeze that needs to be expressed (pardon the crude analogy). That's when the music comes pouring out of her. Im glad that Columbia just gave her the tools she needed and stepped back to see what would happen...😏
Well, she has school and homework to do first, but just imagine in a couple of years when she graduates: she'll have 50 - 100 hit recording already written, produced and ready to introduce to the world all at once. No one in the history of music will have ever come close to this kind of launch. I think she'll get her Grammys.
Sam Borgman, Hey Sam did you do the mastering on this? If you did it's most excellent! Nice job. I was going to give that a try myself but you're way ahead of me! (I think I will give it a whirl anyway just for the exercise) Excellent review too! Pretty much says it all... The standout line of all from my perspective ...."This is the greatest set of talents I’ve ever seen in any one musician.".... BINGO!! "Thanks for all your help Ido (her main producer) but we won't be needing you any more." LOL!!! The only thing I would add to your review... Listening to Grace through the ears of a drummer there's one thing I've noticed from the very beginning is she's a master of phrasing.. Getting all the syllables to fit in a line and still make rhythmic sense can be a bit tricky but she always pulls it off flawlessly! Not only that but sung with a certain punchy percussive attack. She has an innate sense of rhythm that comes through in her vocals. It all becomes apparent when you listen to someone else do a cover of one of her songs and there's that certain something missing. The second chorus in this song is a most stunning example of what I mean. The first line ..." Oh I despise the way my mind is at war"... Has a stretched out relaxed feeling, but then comes this epic double time run. ..." Telling me how could I think those things When I'm so far from perfect I'm too loud when I speak and when I don't, I'm a bore, We've got power!".... It creates a beautiful rhythmic tension and release on "We've got power!" How do you even write something like that? Check it out....
I did the mastering yep. Thanks! The phrasing, absolutely. She's always been so good at that. Drums in this song really made it clear how well she understands the instrument. The song tempo is 120. She goes half time in the outro, just seconds after second chorus. It creates so much more seriousness to the "I like it all" phase of the lyrics. I wanted to mention this but forgot, guess I could add now. She just instinctively knows such a change can make the most important part of the song stand out. Half time is relaxed, which reflects the acceptance phase, where you make peace with a situation and learn to relax. Others have to go to school to learn this but she just knows. She's known all this even in 2016.
@@SamBorgman ...."She's known all this even in 2016."... Yeah I just posted another (lengthy) comment a few minutes ago that gets into that same thing. Basically she was born with this gift... Her producing skill was evident from the get go on IDKMN! I'd love to tap your brain about how you went about mastering.... The tools you used, etc. Great job! Took it that one final step, and the only step I thought was slightly lacking, or could use that one last nudge to kick it over the top. I still have your email (assuming you still have the same email as back in the AGT days) Would you have the time to chat about your mastering process? Also been wanting to send you that live performance me and my bro did of "Light the Sky" way back in 2017 to maybe get some feedback. My bro is a perfectionist and doesn't think it was good enough to post... Still debating that! To my ears it sounds quite a bit better than a lot of other Grace covers I've heard!
@@Emondotcalm You should write about what you said about the song on your main comment, for the clubs. People like hearing it explained. What you said about "sung with a punchy percussive attack". I wanted to talk about something relating to that. The way she fits the lines "The way we narrate our lives in our minds The sides or parts of us we wanna discard" into that melody. I'd never be able to work those lines in a melody so well. It is another major skill that I'm not good at. She said last year I think, that she writes what she wants to say, then forces it into rhythm. That's exactly what she did on those lines. Still the same email yep. I'd love to talk about stuff. Yeah I think you told me about that cover but I never got to hear it lol.
Je ne sais si vous allez me traiter de fou mais je retrouve du Pink Floyd là ! C'est incroyable , les influences musicales que j'entends ! do not know if you are going to call me crazy but I find Pink Floyd there! It's incredible, the musical influences I hear!
@@SamBorgman Thank you,shows i have got good hearing.Well done.It is a pity that some of the other people releasing recordings do not use the qualiry equipment..
@@SamBorgman , perhaps even the choir since (as you know) she did all the women's voices for the choir in "Clearly", working hard to make them sound different from each other.
@@oscresson Yep true about Clearly. She also changes her voice to sound male in some choruses, in the songs she made at home. Happy Songs for example. A clever technique she's seen Ido do on Clearly (even though Clearly choir is a mess. Ido pushed that trick too far). The choir in this song is a factory sample library in Logic Pro, starting at 2:17. I use Logic so it's very familiar to me. It is not good enough to sound realistic so it is never really used by producers. Grace is using stock sounds and plugins that came with Logic and Garageband, so she had to use it. She made it work very well.
Well, it wasn't intentional but I thought it was amusing. The mosaic function I used to break up the image did that. Overlapped a few letters a little spaced out.
Sam Borgman, hello. I just thought you'd just might like to know that you and this song are the only reason that I started posting publicly 2.5 years ago about Grace Vanderwaal's music. Although I'd watched Grace from her very beginning, i never much liked what I saw in the comments, and it was you who helped me overcome that fear. Soooo, I'm long overdue for posting my sincere gratitude to you on your site publicly. 🙏 💖 🤗
@@SamBorgman This is Agent Sky Herald 008(5), 'Licensed to thrill' 😎...Hey Sam...Who is this Harold Wilson guy anyway? I think he's a real keeper dude..🤩👍
MrJeff1256 Grace wrote, sang, and produced this on her own using her computer and a mixing program that her label sent to her after she aired a few songs (originals and covers) where she had done the same thing using Garage Band.
This Instagram post here: instagram.com/p/B_QvVeTDDw2/ The link to the file was in her bio for a few days, now it's gone. Here it is: www.dropbox.com/s/wvjm5x5vv5q2s4j/Faults_4.m4a?dl=0
I really, really, like this song/construction. Hope Grace will be inspired enough to continue working in this mode for awhile. If you like this, check out Laurie Anderson, a genius in her own rite. [Ah-Ah-Ah-Ah] --don.
This will never get officially released , Grace was just releasing some tension and learning how to self produce with this song , thats why she gave us the file to download .
![Grace VanderWaal - Shitty Actress [Self Produced] [Mastered]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ErsNMFNPGOQ/mqdefault.jpg)
![Grace VanderWaal - Shitty Actress [Self Produced] [Mastered]](/img/tr.png)
![Grace VanderWaal - F_cked Up Years (Original) [Improved Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/xBW0FE34F_g/mqdefault.jpg)
My review of the song:
I’ll never be able to explain this song the way I want to, the way I see every genius touch she’s put into it. But I must try. Grace has done it again. This song is the biggest proof of her unparalleled level of musical skills and understanding. I’m certain this explosion of ideas has been brewing for longer than we might think. Now that she has complete control over the song creation process, we are finally seeing the complete and unbridled realization of her artistic expression. This is the greatest set of talents I’ve ever seen in any one musician. Which makes Grace irrefutably and historically important in the world of music.
Whenever I think about just how well she understands the secrets of making outstanding music, I always get reminded of a quote by Beethoven:
“Don’t only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets, for it and knowledge can raise men to the divine.”
I have no doubt that Grace has done exactly that, by the time she was just 12.
I see interesting similarities between Faults (and other recents songs she shared) and her earliest songs. The self doubt turning into a triumphant declaration of “I am enough” makes this song as powerful, liberating, relatable and anthemic as I Don’t Know My Name, which was about the search of identity and purpose. Grace’s most expressive and impactful writing comes when she writes about self discovery and empowerment. And Faults is her brand new, most mature, masterpiece.
First, the structure of Faults is unique to her other songs. So far her most untraditional style. The choruses have different lyrics but also share three lines. They also sound more like pre-choruses, with an intermediate level of energy. I would classify them as refrains instead. The bridge, which is really an outro, then becomes the most energetic part of the song. Which greatly helps to establish the powerful declaration of “I am enough” as the song ends.
The structure also highlights the organically moving melodies, with the words inseparably intertwined with them. Many years of writing terrible songs taught me many things. I learned that this style of composition is the most difficult. Only the most capable songwriters can create great songs in this way. IDKMN and Beautiful Thing were similarly written. I would also say that this sort of writing and composition is only possible if the words flow out of you without having to pause to think.
“I complain about myself again and again, a flaw inside of a flaw”. The clarity of thought there is just beautiful. When you think you have flaws and then complain about it, you’re only making it worse for yourself.
The words in the outro are especially deep and powerful to me. They complete the narrative of the song with a twist and a bang.
I absolutely love the twist and I think it is a pretty unique turn for such a song about self doubt. A twist that in the end clarifies that the faults are never allowed to dictate her worth and what she can do. I won’t try to explain it further because nothing can convey it better than her own words.
Lastly, I must address the music and the production. It is honestly beyond anything I would ever expect from someone after just few days of messing with professional audio workstation software. Regardless of age.
Every sound in the song worked beautifully with the lyrics and the emotions. The build-up of energy throughout the song was done expertly and uniformly, with a bigger punch in the outro. The subtle cello coming on in the first chorus/refrain. The simple piano arpeggio adding lightness to the deep eerie chords in the second verse. Her own deep humming vocals gets added to that, in the middle of the verse.
The drums gradually adding to the energy. The phrase “we’ve got power” getting that appropriate chorus treatment and a sonic lift both times, second time being stronger. The best and the last touch: The chorus on the lyrics below. The chorus gradually loses voice. Ending in just one fragile voice saying “I am enough”. How brilliant is that? All that built up energy taken away to leave her true self out in the open. Still fragile but now assuring the listener that the faults don’t take any power away from her, never did. They are just a disturbance, almost like the built up energy making her sound bigger than she is. Ultimately flawed and fragile, yet complete and powerful. Perfectly imperfect.
What astronomical level of artistry right there! This is what happens when a true artist “capable of everything you can see” gains full control over their medium of outlet. Unlike a painter or a poet, a singer-songwriter always has to allow others to have some input on their art, in essence changing it to something not as close to the original vision as it should be. So this is indeed her masterpiece in every sense of the word. I can’t even imagine how she will be presenting her songs in a few years if she keeps producing them herself.
“I might be enough
Yeah, I am enough
I am enough
Oh, I am enough
I am enough
I am enough”
I couldn't add another thing to your analysis, I agree with everything you said Sam! I too am just stunned at how perfect this song is, not that Grace hasn't had perfect songs before, but this one is entirely her creation, just outstanding! What I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall at Syco/Columbia records, sure they're still picking their jaws off the floor while simultaneously slapping each other on the back, thanking their lucky stars they got Grace first!!!
My english is too poor to add anything to your comment - you have said all. Grace is just genius, or sometimes I think few genius personalities in one body watching us and dealing themselves to create and show as blind people thru music/acting/adviceing the truth about us and the good way to better future...
Fantastic, spot-on commentary!.... Thanks for the detailed breakdown!....
Sam Borgman wow that’s the best comment I’ve ever read on Grace period. If anyone can explain Grace you just did. I’ve got to read it again. Thank you for this brilliant analysis.
Nothing more to say , this says it all thanks Sam
This song is a testament to my daughter's songwriting and song composition savant level talent. I love it so very much and as always, her lyrics hit all of us like a brick,, when she talks about acknowledging our own limitations and how we can overcome them with acceptance. We are ENOUGH!
It's good to see you here Sir.
This song confirmed to me that if she would have walked out on stage in '69 right after Janis Joplin's set the music world would have been in shock
Indeed Dave "We are enough!
Couldn't agree more. And who does she have to thank for all that talent? Not hard to guess. And so I appreciate you giving us all the opportunity here to express our thanks to both you and Tina!
Simply amazing.
Thanks Sam great job. This song in my opinion had wonderful potential and could have been explored more and like this there are some more that are really great, but as the music is timeless there is still a lot of time to work. She is talented and her work is sure to always stand out.
"Success always"!!!
Can't believe noone was praising this here for three months. Still a great song.
After 50 years of hobby level bass, guitar and drums i only wish i could phrase songs like Grace does. She is so special.
she touches every one i am 85 been with her from the start thanks sam
Grace and her family are sent from God above. She is such a blessing in this time of Covid-19, leader lies and corruption, child abuse, organ sales, etc. God bless you Grace and all your loved ones. Your parents blessed you with your name. Thankyou for your songs.
I come here to this song when I have my doubts that she is the best and my heart is restored.
I don't even have words 💖
Once again Grace uses her voice to draw you into her world.
Yeah !!!!!
Her lyrics are as allways, but her voice.
I try to remember her voice "I Don't Know My Name"
She gets really better by each song she makes.
As Simon Cowell saids, "..... because it comes from you.
This is the first time in my live I'm in a sort of a fanclub, I do not regret it following this flower that's opening herself bit by bit
Grace is a supermodel, a goddess in music. Talent and songwriting of the highest order.
I can't detach myself from this song, it's hypnotic! It's true, I've listened to it a hundred times minimum!
I actually hope she will release this song on her channel too, more people should hear this amazing song. But I don't think she will.
Amazing song & lyrics!... omg.... Grace is a true force- a true icon.... Legendary will be her future moniker, without a doubt!...
I can't even.
This is almost too much ❤️ to take.
Grace.
Oh Grace.
It's very difficult to express this much love 💔❤️🌹💕💕💕
Extraordinary. Absolutely extraordinary.
Grace is more than enough. What a message. What a song!
Je savoure le génie de Grace et l'analyse de Sam . Pas de mot , juste , merci!
I savor Grace's genius and Sam's analysis.
No word, just thank you!
Every so once in a while someone comes along who is so very talented like Mozart or Hendrix and Grace.
She's a fully self contained juggernaut!! She's every aspect of music creation all rolled into one.* From songwriter, composer to singer to arranger/producer... And I would add to that list a deep intellectual, spiritual (self reflective, way beyond her years) understanding of the human condition. All coupled with a golden heart that chooses to use that understanding to inspire and uplift. As she stated in her most heartwrenching acceptance speech ..."I've been blessed for reasons I'll never, ever know." She was born with a magnificent gift. If I could tell her one thing I've learned from my school of hard knocks it would be to never loose sight of the fact that it IS a gift that was given (for reasons we'll never, ever know) and we're merely channels that gift flows through. The moment the ego steps in and we start thinking it's US is the moment we start to loose it. But from what I've been able to gather from the things she says I'd be willing wager she already gets that. I think she'll do just fine... In spite of all her glorious gifts she's also just a "regular" human like the rest of us. Just another Bozo on the bus hacking and blundering our way through life.. LOL... That's what makes her so endearing and accessible.
* The only "weak link" in the chain (and even that isn't all that weak) is the technical engineering side of the equation. For example aquiring the skillset required to get a vocal to stand out and up front in a mix... Knowing the right tools required to achieve that and how to use them can take years to develop. But that aside, even lacking that one skillset, what she did put out is highly commendable! Way good enough for most ears. I think I only notice the finer points of the technical side (taking the mix that one more final step of polish) because that's what I've been focussing on for at least a decade.
The somewhat under recognized producer side of her talents comes shining forth big time in this masterpiece, but really it had been present from day one in her very first debut song IDKMN. And for that matter all her AGT performances were all written long before she had a producer, and all show an innate understanding of song structure and arrangement one might expect from someone with years of experience and "dues" paid. It really is like alchemy the way she uses chords, melody and harmonies to accentuate the meaning contained in the lyrics. The first part is mostly all minor or suspended chords that convey a sense of feeling unsettled or moody.... Reflecting the theme in the lyrics where she's mulling over her "faults". But the kicker is the way that key line in the whole song that releases and transforms all the tension in the verses and provides a "way out".... "We've got POWER!"... Pops out at you in a powerfully RESOLVING major chord. Major chords conveying a more happy positive vibe. Brilliant!
Thanks for the beautiful welcoming tears Eric. I’m proud to be a channel for her music. She’s a gift I’ll always cherish.
👱♀️a masterpiece on an age scale, or rather timeless. A genius who is still developing. beautiful🔥
Sam - thanks for this, and that incredible review. This song is just unreal - and yet it is Grace in a nutshell; "yes, I have flaws; we all do - and without them I wouldn't be me". The sparing use of effects for emphasis, the way she punched up "power" without playing with the volume shows her creativity.
Sam, Thank you for this post and critical review. You are not the first to call this song a "Masterpiece" and you are not wrong. I would add that her use of a harp creates a beautiful segue. I am looking forward to Grace getting back with her band on this one and in particular what she and Melissa can put together as a stripped down acoustic version.
Great Review Sam. I have never been able to put into words why Grace captivates me and leaves me hanging on every word, but you just described her perfectly. Thanks
Grace, you are so incredibly talented and this song proves it!!!
It took me about 10 times listening to this to get it, to get your observation of it and to see the brilliance in it. Having become aware of Grace a little over two weeks ago this is all new to me. I am astounded at this piece! I really do need to get some earphones for her music so it all comes through.
Beethoven's quote is impressive as it applies to Grace because she has/had it, like you said, at the age of 12. The connection between the lyrics and music or melody is like NOTHING I've ever heard. I'm not a musician and have nothing to do with the music industry, just a fan who appreciates excellent song crafting. My favorite artist over the past 15 years has been James McMurtry, for the same reason, but Grace has somehow risen to become my favorite in two weeks.
It is fascinating that she is so aware of her talent but not cocky or arrogant about it, a rare quality in any performer at any age.
It's also so amazing in this era that so much of an emerging artist is available to us and I really appreciate your efforts in finding it, refreshing it and storing it. I think of all the great artists from the pre '90's era's that have their "previously unreleased" or "bootleg copies" that fans crave but we, as fans, have that available to us now. We get to see all the little details, not just the finished, released songs.
A fan for life. An appreciative fan for life. I'm in the GV Universe and loving it.
I envy you :) the tsunami of Grace content hitting you these two weeks must be exhilarating. The joy of finding an artist like this happens once or twice in life.
Oh forgot to say, yes you should get good headphones. Or good speakers. Unlike most singers Grace's voice has so many textures. Most of it can get lost on phone speakers or small speakers or earphones. You need the bigger over the ear type headphones. Ones I use the most is Sennheiser HD598. Make sure to get the "open" version when buying headphones, not "closed". Open ones have better soundstage in a specific price range. There is also a cheaper option from Koss, those are extraordinarily good for the price: Koss KPH30i.
I too, envy you, I stumbled across her 5 months ago, piece of advice, take it nice and slow. Discovering Grace was the best thing that ever happened to me! I am a drummer, I have been in bands, and I am a creature of technical music. I listen to music created by the most advanced musicians on this planet, and to make an accurate comparison, all of the musicians I listen to put together equal The Sun, Grace Vanderwaal Is Betelgeuse! That is how talented she is to me! Example of what I listen too ua-cam.com/video/Q0kUpcCSzn8/v-deo.html Just so you get the idea
@@joshnelson9764 The music on that link seems extremely complex. I'm not a musician so can't even imagine how it's played. What I find interesting is how someone with your experience and knowledge and someone like me can come to the same conclusion about Grace. I'm impressed that you seem more impressed than me, and believe me I'm impressed.
@@SamBorgman Thanks so much for your suggestion on headphones, I received an excellent set of the Sennheiser HD598 "open" version today and they are fantastic.
Sam, you said everything I felt but didn't know how to say. All I can say is, just when you think Grace is the best artist in the universe and you think there is no way she could make something better than the song you just listened to BAM!, here comes another song from Grace that makes you say OMG THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL. Everything Grace does is not only great, it's better.
I’m reading this year old message, and it’s so amazing how accurate we were about her when she first put out this song. Because now a year later at 17, She’s still putting out magical music that continues to blow us away! And there is not one sign of stopping.
I have listened to this song with the lyrics but concentrating on the lyrics is great and gives a better understanding of the depth of the song, listening to just the song, eyes closed
allows you to really be immersed in the whole experience, and feel the emotion of the whole creation, and it is a true artistic creation. Thank you for posting Sam.
Wonderful song from our Grace. Best singer song-writer I've ever heard.
Well said Sam, Grace IS a genius at work.
Bruh I LOVEEEE Grace's music
Sam, you are drop dead center bullseye spot on! You also are extraordinarily insightful. While I was blown away by this song, I didn't analyze it even close to this degree. Wow, just wow! Thank you. Since we have been staying at home, I find myself without a favorite Grace cover, and now without a favorite Grace original. There are TOO many of each to pick just one any more! The only thing that is still true, more true than ever, is I am in awe!
You're right, looks like she has gone back to writing-because-I-was-bored state. That gives her great results obviously. Makes sense too. These songs weren't forced like she has to do at scheduled studio sessions. Forced writing sessions with other people can't compete with the innate need for expression in a creative mind exploding out by itself.
@@SamBorgman Eagerly awaiting her next project !!!
After listening to this many times, it just occurred to me that although the song ends with the powerful yet fragile declaration of "I am enough!", the final percussive note is applause! Happenstance? I think not.
Thanks for posting. Strong mutuality in her voice
Grace you are really great and amazing. ❤️
Wow, Grace VanderWaal unleashed. Thank you Sam.
Mind if I steal your line? "Grace Vanderwaal unleashed" Indeed!
@@dieterkoch6563 anytime
Fabulous!
I've been waiting for this, thank you Sam! Grace is an unbelievable artist today, and will be a icon!
Her music is as different and unpredictable as Beatle music probably was when someone listened to it for the first time. May have seemed far fetched to put her in that kind of company, but with what she's produced now from eleven to sixteen years old, and with songs like THIS (which could have been a Beatle song), that she can do herself from a treehouse in the backyard (maybe bedroom :)). And these snippets she's given us of new music coming up! shees louise!! I am truly bowled over by her! I've never associated anyone to Beatles before. And to say it about a young teenage little girl, who woulda thunk it. Next Beatle? I'm giving her a strong -maybe! And that's just being careful.
wow.. i love this song so much
Beautiful voice in a very soft tone using a medium volume fits very well in the melody and in your style, congratulations and "success always" !!!
Thank you for this Sam, and your review is spot on.Makes me wonder what Vol 2 is going to sound like.Grace has said it is better then Vol 1 and if she making music like this now V 2 gonna be Gold
Would this be the song that she was fiddling with once on one of her livestreams? That was like a few weeks back I think.... As for the song? Wow! This is natural musical talent coupled with hard work. We must not forget that she's a focus hard worker when the music moment hits her; sure she's pretty laid back, but im convinced that there's a musical workshop in her brain that's constantly writing and creating, albeit unconsciously, I don't know if osmosis would be a fitting way of describing that type of natural creative ability: then all at once it's like an uncontrollable sneeze that needs to be expressed (pardon the crude analogy). That's when the music comes pouring out of her. Im glad that Columbia just gave her the tools she needed and stepped back to see what would happen...😏
Real nice!!!😎
I don't get why she is not swimming in a pool full of grammys yet. C'mon, her music and lyrics are amazing! And she´s only 16 :O
Well, she has school and homework to do first, but just imagine in a couple of years when she graduates: she'll have 50 - 100 hit recording already written, produced and ready to introduce to the world all at once. No one in the history of music will have ever come close to this kind of launch. I think she'll get her Grammys.
Awesome Sam, thank you.
brilliant!!
I love it! ❤️
Sam Borgman, Hey Sam did you do the mastering on this? If you did it's most excellent! Nice job. I was going to give that a try myself but you're way ahead of me! (I think I will give it a whirl anyway just for the exercise) Excellent review too! Pretty much says it all... The standout line of all from my perspective ...."This is the greatest set of talents I’ve ever seen in any one musician.".... BINGO!! "Thanks for all your help Ido (her main producer) but we won't be needing you any more." LOL!!! The only thing I would add to your review... Listening to Grace through the ears of a drummer there's one thing I've noticed from the very beginning is she's a master of phrasing.. Getting all the syllables to fit in a line and still make rhythmic sense can be a bit tricky but she always pulls it off flawlessly! Not only that but sung with a certain punchy percussive attack. She has an innate sense of rhythm that comes through in her vocals. It all becomes apparent when you listen to someone else do a cover of one of her songs and there's that certain something missing. The second chorus in this song is a most stunning example of what I mean. The first line ..." Oh I despise the way my mind is at war"... Has a stretched out relaxed feeling, but then comes this epic double time run. ..." Telling me how could I think those things When I'm so far from perfect I'm too loud when I speak and when I don't, I'm a bore, We've got power!".... It creates a beautiful rhythmic tension and release on "We've got power!" How do you even write something like that? Check it out....
I did the mastering yep. Thanks! The phrasing, absolutely. She's always been so good at that. Drums in this song really made it clear how well she understands the instrument. The song tempo is 120. She goes half time in the outro, just seconds after second chorus. It creates so much more seriousness to the "I like it all" phase of the lyrics. I wanted to mention this but forgot, guess I could add now. She just instinctively knows such a change can make the most important part of the song stand out. Half time is relaxed, which reflects the acceptance phase, where you make peace with a situation and learn to relax. Others have to go to school to learn this but she just knows. She's known all this even in 2016.
@@SamBorgman ...."She's known all this even in 2016."... Yeah I just posted another (lengthy) comment a few minutes ago that gets into that same thing. Basically she was born with this gift... Her producing skill was evident from the get go on IDKMN!
I'd love to tap your brain about how you went about mastering.... The tools you used, etc. Great job! Took it that one final step, and the only step I thought was slightly lacking, or could use that one last nudge to kick it over the top. I still have your email (assuming you still have the same email as back in the AGT days) Would you have the time to chat about your mastering process? Also been wanting to send you that live performance me and my bro did of "Light the Sky" way back in 2017 to maybe get some feedback. My bro is a perfectionist and doesn't think it was good enough to post... Still debating that! To my ears it sounds quite a bit better than a lot of other Grace covers I've heard!
@@Emondotcalm You should write about what you said about the song on your main comment, for the clubs. People like hearing it explained. What you said about "sung with a punchy percussive attack". I wanted to talk about something relating to that. The way she fits the lines "The way we narrate our lives in our minds
The sides or parts of us we wanna discard" into that melody. I'd never be able to work those lines in a melody so well. It is another major skill that I'm not good at. She said last year I think, that she writes what she wants to say, then forces it into rhythm. That's exactly what she did on those lines.
Still the same email yep. I'd love to talk about stuff. Yeah I think you told me about that cover but I never got to hear it lol.
THX💝💝, ✌️😎💕🇩🇪🇪🇺
Sam condivido tutto. Grace Vanderwaal" più grande di Beethoven,
The only thing i can think off when i listen to this is i feel humbled
Cal 99ers exactly how I felt.
Je ne sais si vous allez me traiter de fou mais je retrouve du Pink Floyd là ! C'est incroyable , les influences musicales que j'entends !
do not know if you are going to call me crazy but I find Pink Floyd there! It's incredible, the musical influences I hear!
Same I also noticed Pink Floyd , specially the ending
@@gregcadman6102 I'm hearing the Beatles' "White Album".
@@donaldmoon so we have a Beatles , Pink Floyd sound in parts , Grace truly knows how to create and listen to music
Yes The Beatles too !!
Yep, when I first heard this song the first though in my head was Pink Floyd.
Nice quality audio..Is this home made.It feels like studio made.Sensational.Release it and go global. Martin u.k.
Grace created the whole thing on her computer from home 🙂
Home made yes, using high quality studio equipment.
@@SamBorgman guess I left out the "high quality studio equipment" bit 😜
@@SamBorgman Thank you,shows i have got good hearing.Well done.It is a pity that some of the other people releasing recordings do not use the qualiry equipment..
@@Jeff_674 😁
😊
Walk on....
How many of the voices are Grace?!
All of them, except the choir.
@@SamBorgman In the past it was the choir too, why not this time?
@@SamBorgman , perhaps even the choir since (as you know) she did all the women's voices for the choir in "Clearly", working hard to make them sound different from each other.
@@oscresson Yep true about Clearly. She also changes her voice to sound male in some choruses, in the songs she made at home. Happy Songs for example. A clever technique she's seen Ido do on Clearly (even though Clearly choir is a mess. Ido pushed that trick too far). The choir in this song is a factory sample library in Logic Pro, starting at 2:17. I use Logic so it's very familiar to me. It is not good enough to sound realistic so it is never really used by producers. Grace is using stock sounds and plugins that came with Logic and Garageband, so she had to use it. She made it work very well.
@@SamBorgman good ear, love to hear that sort of detail about her songs. Thanks!
Vainderwaal. Nice touch.
Well, it wasn't intentional but I thought it was amusing. The mosaic function I used to break up the image did that. Overlapped a few letters a little spaced out.
Just wondering if this and other songs be on Letters 2
I don't think so but you never know. This song really should be on volume 2
It's a shelfproduced song, so I don't think. But it's definitely should be.
@@SGHNTZ yes
Congrats Sam. Dave just tweeted this. 😉
Sam Borgman, hello. I just thought you'd just might like to know that you and this song are the only reason that I started posting publicly 2.5 years ago about Grace Vanderwaal's music. Although I'd watched Grace from her very beginning, i never much liked what I saw in the comments, and it was you who helped me overcome that fear. Soooo, I'm long overdue for posting my sincere gratitude to you on your site publicly. 🙏 💖 🤗
Hello who is this? jk probably the 10th time you mentioned this so far haha 🤗
@@SamBorgman The11th time actually...😉
@@SamBorgman This is Agent Sky Herald 008(5), 'Licensed to thrill' 😎...Hey Sam...Who is this Harold Wilson guy anyway? I think he's a real keeper dude..🤩👍
lyric video!!
The vault did one ua-cam.com/video/BSV5cW9trgk/v-deo.html
If you turn on CC with this video its pretty good. ua-cam.com/video/Q1LIYhaoNvw/v-deo.html
This is amazing! Where did the original audio come from? (Sorry if I missed it somewhere)
MrJeff1256 Grace wrote, sang, and produced this on her own using her computer and a mixing program that her label sent to her after she aired a few songs (originals and covers) where she had done the same thing using Garage Band.
This Instagram post here: instagram.com/p/B_QvVeTDDw2/
The link to the file was in her bio for a few days, now it's gone. Here it is: www.dropbox.com/s/wvjm5x5vv5q2s4j/Faults_4.m4a?dl=0
I really, really, like this song/construction. Hope Grace will be inspired enough to continue working in this mode for awhile. If you like this, check out Laurie Anderson, a genius in her own rite. [Ah-Ah-Ah-Ah] --don.
No video.
It should on the next album
This will never get officially released , Grace was just releasing some tension and learning how to self produce with this song , thats why she gave us the file to download .
@@chmtopforever2177 God I hope not
brilliant!!