REVIEW: ‘Amazed’ by Haley & Michaels’ debut EP

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Fate has its way of bringing people together at just the right time – and not a moment sooner.  Shannon Haley and Ryan Michaels grew up just three miles apart from each other in Northern California.  The first time they crossed paths, though, was after each had moved over 2,000 miles from away from their hometown to pursue music careers in Nashville.   

It’s clear from the beautifully blended harmonies on their self-titled debut EP that they were meant to make music together. The two unite their individually powerful vocals to create a sound that’s hearty, yet delicate in its articulation. Haley & Michaels cite Ralph Waldo Emerson as one of their influences, which is evident through the vivid imagery used in their lyrics.    

The duo particularly shines on their current single, “Just Another Love Song,” an uptempo track currently receiving airplay on SiriusXM’s The Highway.  Interestingly, Haley & Michaels wrote the song alongside former Lonestar frontman Richie McDonald. The track captures how certain aspects of life can lose meaning after a break-up.  In this case, the tune that used to be ‘the couple’s song’ is no longer special after the breakup, becoming ‘just another love song’ that fails to stand out from any other love song on the radio.  The arrangement on the track is phenomenal, quite naturally integrating part of Lonestar’s smash hit “Amazed” into the song.    

Another of the duo’s stand out tracks is actually a cover of the Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).”  In the absolute best sense, their country-infused version of the song is reminiscent of a cover you might hear on Glee in that it offers full-sounding, harmony-driven interpretation of the popular tune.

Like what you hear? Check out YouTube for more of the band’s covers–including one of Hunter Hayes’ Wanted, and find the rest of their EP on Spotify and iTunes!

Follow Haley & Michaels on Facebook, Twitter, and their website.

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