SINGLE REVIEW: Alwyn Morrison - Chained
Alwyn Morrison’s ‘Chained’ is a deeply introspective piece that captures the delicate balance between love and sacrifice. It’s an aching, emotionally charged track that lets raw sincerity take the lead, blending anthemic pop-rock with a rugged, lived-in authenticity. Dreamy yet grounded, it builds in waves, each section amplifying the tension between devotion and the quiet desire for freedom.
The song opens with fragile acoustic guitars, shimmering with moments of brightness amidst the melancholy. Morrison’s vocals—raspy, powerful, and full of weight—carry a palpable sense of longing, each note dripping with sincerity. The gradual ascent toward the chorus introduces a cinematic sweep, elevating the song beyond simple reflection into something grander. There’s an undeniable push and pull at play, mirroring the emotional conflict embedded in the lyrics.
Sonically, ‘Chained’ plays with contrasts. It borrows the raw edges of indie while folding in a rolling, almost country-inflected rhythm, creating a sense of movement even in its quieter moments. As the track unfolds, the instrumentation grows—drums crashing, guitars weaving into a fuller, more immersive soundscape. Morrison’s voice responds in kind, stretching and swelling before easing back, only to rise again, reinforcing the cyclical nature of love’s complexities.
Cathartic in its execution, ‘Chained’ is a song that lingers, not just because of its soaring melodies but because of its emotional gravity. Morrison doesn’t just perform the lyrics—he feels every word, making it impossible for the listener not to feel something too. Whether it’s longing, nostalgia, or quiet reflection, this is a track that doesn’t just ask to be heard—it demands to be felt.