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- May 21, 2021
“There’s always been this theme of ‘I’m not ready yet.’ I’ve really had to be disciplined in thinking of that little girl that was on the piano.”
-Sinead harnett
This individual growth from Sinèad Harnett has been reflected in her steady musical development. That idea of self-acceptance was tied to her recognition that only she could give it to herself.
A not altogether easy task, given her ex-boyfriends who didn’t want to commit to something serious. Harnett found herself fighting a default belief that it was all because of her. However, she discovered that she could only control her end of the relationship.
These dual epiphanies inspired this sophomore album Ready Is Always Too Late. A reintroduction for the R&B singer-songwriter hailing from North London.
Title track “Ready Is Always Too Late” dove into the linked insights above. In a relationship where she wanted her man to feel as invested as she was, Harnett offered every avenue of comfort for him to reach the same place. His refrain of being open to that idea, but only at some murky future point, didn’t work for her.
“Stay” dealt with a relationship where she in-fact found a guy who wanted the same things as she did. Though, due to history with guys like the one in that first song, now she faced difficulty committing. Harnett wanted to make it work, but feared she was setting herself up for another disaster. One full of pain, misery, and heartache.
For “Take Me Away (feat. EARTHGANG)”, Harnett sang beautifully about a relationship where the gentleman she was with served as an oasis from reality’s struggles. EARTHGANG, playing that male counterpart, echoed her sentiments. He continued the analogy about them driving down the road together. Just the two of them. Relishing each other’s unconditional love.
“Last Love” began by leaning into the difficulty of getting over your last ex. How the recency filled your subconscious with memories. For instance, your memory of a romantic date spurred by that naan aroma wafting out of your previously go-to couple restaurant that you happened to walk by.
When BAE became your roommate. That loss of passion in favor of practical comfort. “Anymore (feat. Lucky Daye)” spoke to a disintegrated romance where you were just living with that person. You’d transitioned to sharing more household duties than nights out. Sparks of unpredictability became a thing of the past.
“Hard 4 Me 2 Love You” got into a relationship where Harnett wasn’t so much communicating with her boyfriend, but talking past him. Less on purpose, more on account of walls he’d built between them. She saw the potential for them to be great together, though he wasn’t open to compromise unless it came with him controlling her personality.
A gorgeous love letter, “J.L (Interlude)” shortly and simply conveyed Harnett’s overwhelming passion for a particular man. How she could be happy as long as they were together forever.
Referring to that acquired self-confidence, Harnett lyrically touted how powerful their lovemaking experience would be in “Like This”.
“…To a love like this, You ain’t had a taste like this, Crimson cherry lips, Only find this once in a lifetime, Bet you’re glad you waited for the right time, To make love like this…”
-sinead harnett
“Stickin’ (feat. Masego & VanJess)” told the story of a couple who managed to mostly fight. The smallest incident could turn into a shouting match. An offhanded comment from the bank teller could call to mind an argument they had three weeks ago. Then, what was supposed to be a simple check-depositing visit, likely turned into a spat where even the car ride home involved rehashing the whole ordeal.
In “Obvious”, Harnett sought her boyfriend merely for comfort. If she wasn’t lonely, she didn’t care to be with him. However, she recognized that such a dynamic wasn’t fair and promised to make time for him that was mutually beneficial. To call him up when she wanted to hang out, not just on those occasions where she needed something.
“Distraction” detailed Harnett’s eagerness to please. How she would satisfy all her guy’s desires. If he’d had a stressful week, she’d be there to give him a release. And while she was happy to do so, she self-consciously wondered if that was all she’d ever be to him. Would he want to connect emotionally? If she shared for feelings, would he merely leave her by the wayside?
The intensely-felt LP is available for stream now!
