Synth Single Review: “SHINE (Collective Soul cover)” by Stacy Gabriel

by Karl Magi

Stacy Gabriel’s “SHINE (Collective Soul cover)” blossoms to life with tiny motes of light rising in a hopeful cloud as delicate percussion adds another layer of smooth softness before the melody drifts in, broadcasting constant warmth. Stacy Gabriel’s vocals, with their robotized quality, add an interesting contrast to Collective Soul’s lyrics which ask very human questions.

As the vocals drift with disconnected elegance, synth notes create a mixture of uplifting emotion and a segment with sharp edges adds a questioning tone before the chorus cascades, capturing me with Stacy Gabriel’s depth of emotion. A cruising rhythm supports the melody as it sings with contemplative spirituality in a quest for meaning.

Swirling synthesizer adds balancing darkness to a flood of radiance before the serene chorus glides on a cloud of computerized vocals. Tones with an open feeling slip past as a synthesizer shines and the song exhales on a breeze of lush sound.

The narrator yearns for guidance, revelation and love and asks to be shown the path ahead, while asking heaven to let its light shine down. His questions move from pondering an unknown future to wondering if he’ll find love there. He aches to be taught how to communicate, share and find the right path.