And the praise just keeps on pouring in for CC’s Hands Up album!
Tuesday brought us a fabulous review concocted and put together by around 18 artist fans. It showcased Charles Connolly’s brand new album, Hands Up!, track by track, complete with video! It got people listening, and they couldn’t help but speak up. In true CC style, here’s an unscheduled “Part 2” showing why - in NAS artist Shahiem’s words - “it deserves to win a Grammy”...
Todd & Karen
GET YOUR HANDS UP – AND YOUR EXPECTATIONS!!!
Charles Connolly, the indie-pop wizard who has been steadily dropping singles like shimmering pearls over the past year, has finally woven them together into Hands Up!, a dazzling collection that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern. "Sir Charles", as he should be dubbed by any music lover (because how could someone with this level of artistry not have a knighthood?), proves himself a genre-blending virtuoso - part Beatle, part Bowie, part cabaret showman, and at the same time entirely Connolly!
This album isn't just a playlist; it's an odyssey through the eclectic, delightful, and occasionally profound mind of one of indie pop’s brightest minds and best songwriters. From the soaring, big-band exuberance of Inspiration - a number so playful and self-assured it could make Robbie Williams blush - to the tender and heartfelt Family of Two, he shows he can effortlessly pivot from showstopper to tearjerker, never missing a beat.
Then there are tunes like Hell is Other People, Pt. 1, a funkadelic wink that swaggers its way into your subconscious with cheeky lyrics and irresistible grooves. It’s as if Connolly invited Prince, indie funkmaster William Lovitt and a mid-70s Bee Gees to a house party and let the tape roll. The Travelling Funkburys - wouldn't that have been something. They'd sound like this.
What’s truly beautiful is how Hands Up!, despite its stylistic swings, feels undeniably cohesive. This is not an album chasing trends or scrambling for a sound; it’s an artist so secure in his identity that every track radiates the same unmistakable Connolly essence. His fingerprints are all over this, from the lush harmonies, to the deft storytelling to that cheeky wink just below the surface of even his most serious songs. And on top of it all – there’s that 100% watertight Connolly production gloss!
Charles Connolly is an indie pop Fab Four rolled into one - McCartney's melodic genius, Lennon’s edge, Harrison’s eclecticism, and Ringo’s playful charm, all filtered through Connolly’s singular vision. He’s not imitating greatness; he’s joining its ranks.
Don’t miss this joyous, poignant, and infectious collection of songs! This is a modern-day master of the craft at the top of his game. Get your HANDS UP! - and your expectations - because Sir Charles has just delivered an album for the ages.
Your very impressed friend, Øyvind Berge (aka “Todd” from TODD & KAREN)
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fábjáni
VARIETY IN CONTINUITY
Charles Connolly loves music. If you have ever read one of his song reviews, that would already be clear. If you've ever had any conversation with him, that would already be clear. But even without any of that, simply listening to his new album, Hands Up!, tells its own story of how much CC loves music in a way that not every artist appears to! Telltale signs include the sheer variety of styles, the complex chord progressions, the non standard rhythms and time signatures that appear, and the musical allusions to many of his influences, perhaps most notably the Beatles, but certainly not restricted to that. Simply including all these elements may reflect a love for music, but what Hands Up! also provides is a window into how much CC cares about the creation of music.
Every song is carefully crafted, displaying unique creativity, brilliantly arranged, immaculately produced, and despite the musical complexity that is sometimes present, every song is highly listenable, with memorable tunes that are very likely to get stuck in your head! Moreover, despite the variety in styles and influences, there is a strong continuity throughout. The very best artists usually have a very distinct sound, and CC most certainly has that. Which is also true of his lyrics. His love of language is also clear in his song reviews, and again, very obvious in his poetic lyrics, which, combined with the music, take you on a journey through the very distinct world of Charles Connolly, including moments of laughter, moments of peculiarity (because what kind of person really wants “normal”), moments of sadness, and many moments of beauty.
Hands Up! is not just a collection of songs. It's not even just a collection of songs cleverly woven together. It's a delicious slice of the life of Charles Connolly.
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And finally, possibly the most love-infused of all…
Rich Allen
A MASTERCLASS IN SONGWRITING, INSTRUMENTATION AND PRODUCTION
Get ready to have your mind blown and your ears serenaded by Charles Connolly's latest album, a mesmerizing tour de force that stands as a shining testament to his genius in songwriting, instrumentation, and production. From the very first note, Connolly lures listeners into a kaleidoscopic soundscape bursting with vibrancy and soul—think of it as stepping into a musical wonderland where the spirit of the Beatles dances freely alongside lush melodies and poignant lyrics. It’s as if Charles took a time machine to 1969, learned the secrets of the Fab Four, and returned to drop this gem on us!
Now, let’s level with each other: Charles is not just an amazing artist; he’s a multi-talented wizard—a dazzling writer, an exceptional songwriter, an alchemical producer, and a G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) in mixing and mastering. Seriously, this man’s mixing skills are so top-notch that they should come with a dramatic entrance and theme music! As someone who’s fortunate enough to have him mix and master all my tracks, I can confidently say without him, my music would sound more like a cat trying to sing opera than a polished piece of art.
Each track released from this album has been like a delectable appetizer in a five-star restaurant—a tantalizing morsel that leaves you craving the main course. Connolly has a knack for suspense, releasing singles that bring joy and longing—kind of like that feeling of excitement you get when you know the weekend is right around the corner. By the time you reach the final track, you find yourself on a gripping emotional rollercoaster, captured by melodies that cling to your mind like that one catchy jingle you can’t shake off. Seriously, keep an eye on any rubber ducks in your bathroom; they might start humming along!
And let’s not skip over those Easter eggs sprinkled throughout the album—oh, they’re delightful! Diving deeper into the album reveals a treasure trove of hidden gems, akin to a scavenger hunt where each surprise rewards you with a grin. These moments—hiding in the shadows like an introverted ninja—beckon listeners to dig deeper, discover their meaning, and connect in unexpected ways. It’s like Charles has created a musical “Where’s Waldo?”—daring us to seek out those intricacies that make every listen feel fresh and exciting.
The production itself is nothing short of a sonic marvel. Connolly’s deft hand creates a sumptuous sound that expertly balances complexity with approachability. Each instrument is painstakingly arranged, harmonizing effortlessly to craft a rich auditory landscape that feels expansive yet cozy - like being wrapped in a thick, warm blanket while sipping hot cocoa by a roaring fireplace. The interplay between vocals and instrumentation is pure musical poetry, enveloping us in a snug embrace that feels more comforting than a grandma’s hug on a chilly day.
Now, let’s get to the pièce de résistance: one of the highlights of my trip to London a few years back was undoubtedly spending time with Charles, alongside the delightful Dom Piper and the iconic Davidd. You may know him as Chvrli Blvck. What started as an innocent quest for a few beers quickly spiraled into a spontaneous soirée filled with laughter and storytelling that turned hours into mere moments. We’re talking about a casual hangout that morphed into a full-blown adventure, where catching up over pints felt less like a conversation and more like a lively game of musical chairs, except instead of chairs, it was round after round of “who can make the best pun”. It was a scene right out of a sitcom - if only we had recorded it!
In sum, Charles Connolly's album is not just an extraordinary achievement; it’s a vibrant tapestry that showcases his immense talent and deep understanding of the craft. This is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a compelling narrative—a rollercoaster ride through sound and emotion that will tickle your funny bone and tug at your heartstrings all at once. For anyone who reveres the art of songwriting and the magical power of music, this album is an absolute must-listen. Each track is an exquisite experience that resonates profoundly, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and minds—a true testament to artistry and passion intertwining in the most entertaining way possible.
So enjoy your week off, Charles, and congratulations on the release of Hands Up!. This album is such a masterpiece that my hands are up, not just to dance, but to surrender to its greatness!
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In summary, if you haven’t listened to the whole unbroken 47 minutes of Hands Up!, DO!
(don’t forget to save it in your library for later - you’ll need it!)
If you love it, don’t keep it to yourself, SHARE IT!! Let’s all get Hands Up! the attention it deserves.
✋🏻😳🤚🏻
Listen to Hands Up! On Spotify HERE!
Listen to Hands Up! On Apple Music HERE!
Follow Charles Connolly on Instagram HERE!
Follow Charles Connolly on TwiX HERE!
Well, what can I say: all the above is true. Hands Up! ended up in my top 10 albums of 2024. I wake up with a Connolly melody in my head, into 2025 as well. Can't explain, it sounds like a collection forgotten Beatles-tunes, written, recorded, produced and sang by a modern day McCartney. It's that good.
I can only echoe what Rich Allen is saying:
"Now, let’s level with each other: Charles is not just an amazing artist; he’s a multi-talented wizard—a dazzling writer, an exceptional songwriter, an alchemical producer, and a G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) in mixing and mastering"
Amazing !!! Charles
As if a huge review choreographed by 18 artist chums wasn't enough, there is a Part 2?? Wow-WEE, am I a lucky chappy. These three reviews demand three big bear hugs. Thank you so much, Rich, J.S. (fábjáni), and Øyvind ("Todd" of Todd & Karen)!!! I can't thank you enough for such high praise. Beautiful words all round. And another thank you to Shahiem for saying he thinks I should be awarded a Grammy for this album...! That, would complete my life. Hands Up! Hands Down. What a week this has been. ❤️❤️❤️
What a nice tribute of the maestro himself. I had the pleasure to work with Charles and his taste for all music genre and sense of humour transpire in his whole new album. What a masterpiece. All the reviews and comments are well deserved. Yes I have my favourites songs in that album if I listen to them outside the contexte of the album. But this is definitely not the way it should be listened to. This is a whole and I know Charles thought this through really deeply and the transitions are so smooth, you won't have time to switch off that you'll be reaching the end of the album.
What can i add to the comments up here? Listening to Hands Up, Hands Down...as i often comment about CC choices... this is the place where POP finds a new elevation...nouvelle cousine of NAS artists against the McDonalds of mainstream ...a sophistication that we will understand later in years...