Dare I say it? This might just be the song of the summer. Robert Grace and Ryan Mack are back together again and they’ve absolutely nailed it with Next To You. From the very first listen, I was hooked. It’s a 2-minute blast of pure serotonin, the kind of track you’ll find yourself looping without even realising.
The track kicks off with Robert taking the reins, confident, playful lyrics delivered over a super tight, funky beat that has Robert Grace’s usual style all over it. He’s one of the best out there when it comes to building bops that sound effortless. Then Ryan slides in on verse two and it’s game over. His delivery is so so smooth, he reminded me of Bryce Vine with his delivery. He is all levels of cool and his vocals just melt into the beat. I’ve always said these two remind of the Irish equivalent of Connor Price & Nic D, It’s a perfect match-up of styles, and they know exactly how to bounce off each other.
Lyrically, it’s light but smart. We’re talking champagne mornings (“Sauvignon Blanc in the morning / Sleeping til the afternoon”), spontaneous devotion, and that post-night-out haze of waking up beside the one person you actually want to waste time with. The repetition of “To you, to you, to you” drives it home, the kind of refrain that worms its way into your head and refuses to leave.
Production-wise, it’s pop perfection. The beat is crisp and summery, with that little bit of bounce that makes it impossible to sit still while listening. For a track that only clocks in at just over 2 minutes, it manages to say and do a lot without ever feeling rushed.
Honestly, if this doesn’t blow up beyond just their loyal following, there’s something wrong with the algorithm. It’s got mainstream written all over it, and with the sun actually showing up this week, it’s arrived at the perfect time. These two need a tour ASAP because together, they don’t miss.
‘Next To You’ scores a 8.5 out of 10
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography