SINGLE REVIEW: The Elephant Green – I Believed
‘I Believed’ opens with a sparkling, luminous guitar line that immediately sets a tone of optimism and forward motion. From the first note, there’s a sense of lightness and freedom, a nod to early Beatles-style simplicity, layered with moments of sweeping grandeur reminiscent of Oasis at their most anthemic. It’s a careful balancing act between nostalgia and vitality — the song looks back without ever getting stuck there.
The vocals carry a theatrical weight, channeling a Bowie-esque flair that commands attention while feeling warm and human. They ride atop bright, jangly guitars that shimmer and bounce, giving each hook a sense of lift and effervescence. The track’s structure keeps things dynamic: sections of intimate reflection build into expansive, almost cinematic moments, mirroring the lyrical themes of growth, self-reflection, and the ever-turning passage of time.
Lyrically, ‘I Believed’ celebrates the courage to live by your own rules and the joy of following your dreams. There’s a bittersweet edge — a recognition of the things we leave behind — but it’s always framed in light, forward momentum. Musically, it’s a product of a Britpop resurgence with clear nods to the 60s and 70s, yet it feels completely alive in 2025. The Elephant Green have crafted a track that honours its influences without being trapped by them: nostalgic, uplifting, and full of heart, a perfect reminder that looking back can be just as exhilarating as moving forward.
