McLean

biog

McLean is bona fide YouTube phenomenon; His song 'Broken' has clocked up over 20 million views. But, what really sets 'Broken' miles above any other Youtube ‘hit’ is that this song has moved people (over 500 of them, and counting) so much that they have learnt and performed, danced and programmed their responses - covers ranging from acapellas to acoustic guitar or rock band versions, dance routines, video and photo montages, or simply lyrics appearing karaoke-style in time to the song.

‘My Name’, the follow-up to ‘Broken’, reaffirms McLean’s natural ability to affect the listener with the honesty intimacy of his lyrics. The track sees shimmering synths nudge McLean’s soaring voice into outer space. The rousing ‘Great Escape’ is the equivalent of sun peeking through the darkest storm clouds, whilst ‘Try Me’ is juicy funk - reminiscent of ‘Superstitious’ Stevie Wonder - with backing singers contrasting McLean’s luxurious tones and gliding between fatback grooves and bongos. McLean and his debut album have a deep sophistication that’s scarce in contemporary R & B largely because the song-writing is subtle and metaphorical, like the classic soul era McLean’s inspired by.

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Asylum