Hannah McConnell releases her new track Eulogy today and it is a perfect example of a song that catches you off guard. At first listen, it’s got an almost bright tempo, a nice rhythm, and a really really catchy chorus that instantly sticks in your head. But when you take a few more listens and really take in the lyrics you can see the emotional weight of the track. There’s a real contrast here between the upbeat folk-pop feel and the raw subject matter, and it works surprisingly well. It’s the kind of song you might sing along to with a smile, only to suddenly clock what you’re actually saying isn’t all that upbeat.
Lyrically, it’s an honest one. The track tackles grief, identity, denial, and heartbreak through the metaphor of a funeral. Lines like “Would you tell my mother I was beautiful, a work of tainted art you don’t appreciate at all” and “You’ll read out my eulogy, pretend you never would’ve killed me” are striking, and Hannah delivers them with a calm confidence. That line “..tell my mother I was beautiful…” struck me as soon as I heard it and I knew I had to come back to it, it’s such a great line delivered in such a brilliant way. There’s no theatrical wailing or overproduction here, just sharp songwriting and a vocal delivery that’s quietly powerful.
Her vocals are strong throughout, never overdone, which makes them all the more impressive, at times it feels effortless. There’s a clarity to her tone that pairs nicely with the subtle country undertones peeking through the mix. The production is clean but still has that personal edge, and for such a young artist, the arrangement is very solid. You could easily hear this one on the radio, or equally, on a moody walk with headphones in. It’s got that kind of versatility.
What stands out most to me is that Eulogy feels like Hannah really coming into her own. Compared to some of her earlier releases, this one leans more confidently into storytelling, emotional contrast and delivery which really plays to her strengths. It’s a fan favourite at her gigs for a reason. If this is a taste of what her debut EP is shaping up to be, I’m fully on board.
‘Eulogy’ is awarded a 7.5 out of 10
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography