“Delicate Steve Sings” is the latest album released by the instrumental band Delicate Steve. This anthology features the same unique style that earned the band the cult following they have today. The “singing” heard on the tracks is remarkable, but the only voices you hear are from the guitar of Delicate Steve’s front man, Steve Marion. This album is chock-full of smooth, relaxing and memorable guitar licks and riffs. 

The last time we heard from Delicate Steve, they were grooving us to sonic paradise with their 2022  album “After Hours.” It’s on that album that the group gained mainstream popularity with their hit single “I Can Fly Away.” Soon after its release, the song gained much more traction after being featured in a short animation on YouTube by Joe Cappa. Since then, Delicate Steve has honed in on what made them so successful in recent years, resulting in an album that may be their best to date.

“Delicate Steve Sings” kicks off with no need for a warm-up. Off the bat, an emotional story of melancholy, and quite possibly, acceptance, is portrayed through dramatic strings and the signature “voice” of Marion’s guitar. This ballad cleanly transitions into “Baby.” On this track, background singers repeat the song title gently, while Marion’s guitar takes the lead with short, heartfelt and dare I say, delicate guitar licks. I believe these are some of the strongest, possibly best, songs on the album. 

Then comes “I’ll Be There,” which was the biggest single off the record. This hit was paired with a whimsically strange music video directed by Joe Cappa. The song is much happier and more upbeat than the previous tracks, but it matches the levels of beauty. As chill and smile-inducing as “I’ll Be There” is, it’s meant for fun days on the beach in the sun. 

A few songs later, we arrive at Delicate Steve’s cover of The Beatles “Yesterday.” Covering The Beatles is bold, but Marion pulls it off with ease. While staying true to the vibe and style of the original recording, Marion replaces McCartney’s vocals with his equally impressive guitar tone.  

After the cover, you’ll be greeted with a couple of good songs that I feel don’t shine as brightly when compared to the amazing bops before them. However, while the highs are so high, these songs are not even close to lows, especially “Stay With Me.” This song is dissonant. It’s lonely. It’s shoegaze. It’s Delicate Steve in a new font of emotion. While most songs are joyfully relaxing, like a stroll through an empty field or a drive through a midnight city, this song is sad and wandering like a lonely night in the dark desert. While all of the band’s songs may be for looking up at the stars while seated at a campfire, this song is for when you’re doing so on your own.  

Finally, the album ends with “These Arms of Mine.” It’s hard to end such a solid record, but Delicate Steve finds a way that offers closure and a sparkle of looking ahead. This album feels like a goodbye with a vision of a joyous reunification in the distant future. I imagine separating from a friend at a crossroads, and knowing that you will meet again at your final destination. This song ends the album with a sense of hope and fulfillment. Like Delicate Steve is here to say, “It’s okay, it always has been and it  always will be.”

I recommend “Delicate Steve Sings” to everyone. There is no explicit language in the music that dictates the meaning of the tracks, so the freedom it allows the listener to experience as far as interpretation, is unlimited. Listen to this album while doing anything— homework, driving, hanging out with friends, dining, making art, sleeping or meditating. I know I sure do.  

FINAL RATING: 9.8/10 

IN A FEW WORDS: Smooth, Relaxing, Soulful, Slow and Joyful