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Al Shalliker gets the heart pumping with “Oh Felicity,” a finely-crafted single that showcases his developments since his 2021 debut LP as a solo artist; Silver Linings. Showcasing the ground-level vocal beauty and spirit as the debut release from his forthcoming album The Diamond Hill, the song conveys a rugged feeling full of heart that welcomes listeners into Shalliker’s balance of layered lyricism and bare chords.
The track features a polished yet kind of cozy production, only working with longtime collaborators to record it. Just a bit of guitar, bass, and harmonica — his retreat showcases Shaliker’s insightful lyrics and fragile vocals even more. The rootsy ballad draws on folk and blues influences, resulting in a timeless tune that is both personal and universal.
Lyrically, ‘Oh Felicity’ reveals a vivid portrait of longing and devotion. Shalliker’s poetry reads like a love letter – the joy of closeness, and the pain in parting. The chorus, simplistic and haunting at the same time, sounds and lingers with bittersweet optimism.
Here are some lyrics that justify it;
‘You’re the same as me
How different could we be
Oh Felicity
Oh Felicity
To never fall apart
To never fall apart
To mean it from the bottom of your heart
Oh Felicity
Oh Felicity
Oh Felicity’
With lines like that, it could be no other way; though to say it’s just an achievement sounds cold and stale, Shalliker describes the song as “a celebration of fleeting moments that define us” which shines through every note. The harmonica is especially haunting here, subtly and soulfully patching into the song.
“The Diamond Hill” is becoming a very important chapter of Shalliker’s career. If “Oh Felicity” is anything to go by, this release will be an example of understated artistry and real storytelling that will cement Al Shalliker’s place as a voice for modern folk.
