- Bryon Harris
California - "Everything is Gonna Be Alright"
By Sylvie Marie
California's "Everything is Gonna Be Alright" is a delightful love song filled with gratitude. It embodies the joy of having that one special person in your life who changes your worldview. Every part of the arrangement encompasses an energetic jubilance, creating an uplifting atmosphere. The drums are snappy and explosive, the bass is bouncy, the lead guitar is rocking, and the synths act as a fanfare for this anthem. Les Fradkin enters singing with a long-lost charm and charisma that is missing in today's vocalists. He sounds earnest. The vocals are easygoing and light-hearted, adhering to the message of the song, with bright harmonies that emphasize its optimistic vibe. You can hear Les singing his heart out, perhaps with a smile, because this is a song that is all heart, and he means every word of it. This singer sounds like a man who has it all and isn't afraid to proclaim it, despite our society's craving for negativity.
"Everything is going to be all right for the rest of my life.
Everything is gonna be all right for the rest of my life.
I love every day the way I feel, the way, your smile, is so bright.
I love everything about you baby, so hold me through the night."
As the song moves forward, what stands out most is its melodic content. The melody is simple and pure. That might sound like an easy songwriting skill, but trust me as a seasoned reviewer - it is not. Writing a melody that sounds like a tune you've heard your whole life, that you can easily sing along to, and that stays in your memory like love at first sight, takes mega skill. California is all about melody, and this melody is flawless. I also can't say enough about the cheery chorus. It's fantastic! All you have to do is sing along and you are instantly uplifted. The song ends with a build-up of the free-stylin' hook which is sung several times as if to drive the positive message home. Harmonies are expertly woven in and a lead guitar solo elevates the excitement.
I can picture the audience swaying back and forth with their lighters in the air singing along and feeling fine. "Everything is Gonna Be Alright" is the best music medicine, an antidote for negativity, that I've heard in a long time. Listen and feel the joy.
About California The group California, featuring Les Fradkin (Vocals, Bass, Piano, Mellotron, Guitars, Producer, and Songwriter) as its founding Original Member and still leading the group to this day, were Laurie Records recording Artists in the 1970s and 1980s. California had Hit Singles during that time period. Now back with Les & Loretta Fradkin, authors of 8 #1 Indie Hits in 2022.
For more information, visit California on Bandcamp.
#California #LesFradkin #EverythingIsGonnaBeAlright