“Asking for a Friend” is the fifth and most recent song released from Devin Dawson’s forthcoming debut album, and like the other early releases, this one does not disappoint in the least. While “All On Me” and “Dark Horse” were both excellent introductions to the kind of artist Dawson is, the more recent releases reveal another interesting part of the California native’s dark mystique.
With its gentle coffeehouse vibe, “Asking for a Friend” uses a laid back tempo, sweet melodies and honest lyrics to pull you in, and then keeps your attention with Dawson’s already-trademark clever phrasing and detailed storytelling. In fact, it’s on “Asking for a Friend” that the 28 year-old singer’s unique writing style is at its best yet, as he describes the “what-if” hypothetical dialogue between himself and who we can only assume is the girl of his dreams.
Dawson’s first-person narrative approach to his twist on an age-old tale (guy meets girl, guy falls for girl, guy screws up and tries to win girl back) offers a fresh perspective rather than telling the story from every other overused angle. It’s clear Dawson’s character takes the “Asking for a Friend” approach for the same reason surely everyone does – to avoid that initial immediate rejection we all fear most.
Key Lyrics: “He ain’t ever been any good at laying it all out on the line / I swear down deep, believe me girl, he’s a really good guy / If you can find it in your heart just to cut him some slack / He’d be Johnny-on-the-spot here in two seconds flat / Yeah, he’s holding his breath, come on give him a second him a second with you.”
If you’re already loving what you’ve heard from Dawson so far, you don’t have too long to wait for more from this edgy singer-songwriter, as his debut full length album is scheduled to be released on January 19. We recommend pre-ordering your copy now.