George Woods
Wanted Man
I think I’m the only blogger / reviewer who dives into theory and composition, and I’ve been looking forward to this one because George Woods is a teacher of composition at Berklee School of Music in Boston. Boy, I better get this one right! I can hear the egomaniac guitarists in the corner already, “No, dude, I hear Locrian!”
By my count, George has released 35 songs since 2011, mainly in LP format, and mainly in the Acoustic and Pop genres. This track, “Wanted Man,” is a part of an EP coming out this year titled “Reflecting the Light,” here’s my review.
Nice tape speed trick to start up the track, with an acoustic riff and current synth tones to set the stage in E flat. The feel is light, airy and playful. Very strong melody that flutters on top of that acoustic riff centered around the down beat at 150 bpm +/-. Great start! There’s just the right amount of activity. With the pre-chorus, he amps up the tension a bit with a higher melody that repeats to let us know a payoff is coming soon. When the chorus drops we get the full effect of today’s modern pop, and the execution is clean. Great Moog tones and beats to help drive the hook and make you bob your head. Favorite part about the chorus has to be the chord progression. In Nashville speak, we’d say the verses are 41416415, and you get the impression based upon the hook of the verse that he’s not going to change it too much in the chorus, but the way he uses the Major 2 (F) and sticks the landing is great. Solid composition and ear candy, all in one. What a great way to turn out of the chorus!
Nice break using the main riff for the teaser back into the second verse, and take note of how he mixes that riff down to emphasize the lyrics (and their heart warming content). Here’s another great part about how he composed the second verse - note how the intensity is actually increased with the addition of the lo-fi drum pattern that keeps it all moving briskly - while keeping the focus where it should be, on the words. All the accompaniment is downplayed - and pay attention to the lyrics here, especially if you have kids - it’s right on point.
This sets the perfect launch pad for the second chorus and I really appreciate how he keeps it straight forward here when compared to the first - great way to drive home the point. After the chorus we get a brief respite and some tasty Rhodes fills, before the head riff finishes it all off for us, by itself. Great riffs, great production, solid vocals and a beautiful story. I also really appreciate how NOT bright this mix is. In many respects, it’s dark - the majority of the timbres are mid to low, the “only” high parts are a few keyboard lines and his upper fret work on the acoustic - this is a noticeable difference from so many of today’s releases that are awash in treble.
Regular readers know that I rarely dive into the back story of the lyrics, primarily because of my belief (and experience) that as listeners, we attach our own meanings to songs, as they come into our lives at just the right time. Perhaps a song by Queen reminds you of driving around with your Mum - something that had nothing to do with the lyrics of the song, but that song and a precious memory are forever intertwined. I remember listening to Marc Cohn’s debut record when I was on tour in Germany and Poland in the 90’s - “Saving the Best for Last” has nothing to do with Germany or Poland, but I think of that tour whenever I hear Marc Cohn sing about that cab driver. But with this song, I have to comment on how lovely and perfect George’s words are. I can absolutely relate to what he’s writing about here. I know that millions of others can too, especially men. As a gender we’re bad with emotions and the spoken word, and lyrics like these are what keeps us alive, keeps us pushing to be better, pushing to give love, and find love in return. Here are his words:
“I've spent most of my life always being peoples "just friends" boy buddy. This track is sort of a dedication and reflection on the life I have now, with a wife and kid, in the context of never previously being someone's "Wanted Man". No one really saw me as desirable, and so I didn't really see myself through that lens either. Now that I'm all grown up and have filled out my sexy lumberjack physique, and personality, I am wanted and loved. This is a note to my younger self that basically reads, "It's coming. You're worth it."
Thank you, George. Thank you for your artistry, and your honesty. I hope millions of people get to hear this song.
Scroll down for his socials and other works. Some favorites of mine include “Lost By the Thought of You” with its descending guitar line, lovely addition of the trumpet in the choruses, and that subtle kick pattern as the backbeat. “Stock in the Stars” starts with a great triplet guitar riff, and then somehow turns into a Cajon jam with mandolin and a taste of B3 in the background (if I’m not mistaken). I also really like “Building a Boat,” it’s a heavier track, wider in its mix and tones and sense of urgency. It’s pretty clear that Woods has the chops to teach composition.