While changing fashions and musical trends are of interest to most melomaniacs, there’s something to be said about songs that feel familiar – because these are the songs that stand the test of time. Take Status Quo, for example, a band that has repurposed the same simple chord progression on every album and single for half a century without waning the affections of fans. And why? Because it sounds good.
It’s a talent few artists possess, but is one that runs deep in the artist Stu Allen, who’s penchant for 70s/80’s rock boogie has transpired into his new track ‘Deana (Not Deanna)’ to make for a timeless hit that has a sort of draped in stardust quality to it. Featured on the song is none other than Status Quo’s Matt Letley, who brings big drums to Allen’s layered guitars – including a solo – and Freddie Mercury inspired vocals. Based on a real life event, where the artist mistook a woman’s name, the single is a reflection of a time when first connections and conversations are forged online before meeting in real life and was written with a sense of playfulness about it.
On creating ‘Deana (Not Deanna)’, Allen explains, “Starting with the main chorus lyrics ‘Deana, not Deanna’, I already had a chord progression in mind. I then started to play around with other chords and came up with the verses to fill in a backstory, which ended up being very rhythmical. I was conscious about striking the perfect balance between drifting into cliched waters against embracing the more late 70s / early 80s production of big drums and guitars, and I ended up with something I’m very happy with.”
Check it out now:
