Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
Underground listeners know Andrew X has a lot of talent to bring to the table in any given performance. This season, more mainstream fans have been getting to know him in an entirely different way thanks to his new single “Whatever It Takes,” which has arguably been spotlighting a sensibility within his artistry that a lot of other works would have sheltered. “Whatever It Takes” captures the same good-natured character that members of Andrew’s close circle have always known him to be, but in the most defiantly soulful way possible. His music is an amalgamation of the softer side of classic pop and adult contemporary, and alongside the right creative elements in this performance, he unleashes pure pop magic in what amounts to a bitterly emotive gem.
This feels like the cornerstone of a very complex record, but its centerpiece is one of the simpler and on-point offerings a player on the indie level could produce. It isn’t as sprawling and textured as some of the other material out of his scene, but it’s by far the most riveting. Andrew croons tender words against a slow churning beat, each one of his lyrics spilling through the speakers like immaculate paints onto a canvas. He’s got every opportunity in the world to go over the top as he lumbers towards the chorus, but he restrains himself, allowing for the song to go on at an even tempo rather than suddenly flying off the rails. His discipline is something to be marveled at, especially considering that we’ve been living in somewhat reckless times for pop music.
Andrew’s an amazing singer and songwriter, but his harmonies are what grab my attention more than anything else in this single. “Whatever It Takes” isn’t particularly elaborate, as previously stated, but what makes it so magnetically alluring is its boldly orchestrated harmonies between Andrew and the music. Producers did a fine job of cleaning up the track to make every nook and cranny of the verses intoxicatingly inviting and earnest, and I think the backstage work on this single is just as attentive as the artist’s is. I seriously hope this is the first of many collaborative adventures that they embark on together, as they have awesome chemistry in this song and music video from beginning to end.
I would love to hear this track live, particularly in an acoustic setting with just Andrew and a guitar to assist him. He possesses a kind of raw skill that you can’t teach in a school or practice into existence; it’s something that comes naturally. He’s making the most of his abilities in this single, and I think he’s definitely on the right trajectory toward accomplishing what he set out to do with “Whatever It Takes” in general. Singles, especially early on, are crucial to getting an artist the exposure that’s required to warrant making more than one album, and I think this one gives listeners a full-fledged sampling of what they can expect out of Andrew X in his future recordings.
Kim Sullenberger
