Songs that are uplifting and hopeful are always welcome on my playlist, especially in the middle of winter. When it’s cold and dreary, it’s helpful to find positivity where it can be found. And if you’re feeling the winter blues like I am and in need of something bright, then Ryan Doyle has got you (and me) covered with his latest single, “The Key.” It’s the first single off of his upcoming 2-part album that will be released next month and is uplifting, hopeful, and anthemic – perfect for these gloomy days.
Ryan is a singer/songwriter from San Francisco who has been surrounded by music his whole life. He started writing songs when he was 3, taking voice lessons when he was 8, and graduated from the Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of Arts. He released his first single in 2013 and then his first full album, Right By My Side, in 2015. He’s influenced by artists like Billy Joel, Sara Bareilles, Paul McCartney, Sam Smith, Elton John, and Adele. His sophomore album, Young Heart, was released in 2018 with a more mature sound and explored the highs and lows of being a teenager, growing up, and becoming a young adult.
“The Key” represents the constant questioning and doubt we have in our own ability to come out of a dark moment, but also contains elements of hope and freedom because it represents the final release before self-love and self-connection truly begin. This comforting pop production features a cheerful piano melody and plenty of effortless vocal key changes. As the verses continue, strings are added to the ensemble to create a more enveloping soundscape for Ryan’s impressive vocal range. The envigorating lyrics traverse moments of fear and moments of inspiration that lead up to breaking free. It’s such an extraordinary performance with so much spirit and power behind the vocals that you can definitely get caught up in the sway of it all.
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