Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Billy Fitzgerald – You Had Your Chance (2025)

While singer-songwriter Billy Fitzgerald stepped away from music after the dissolution of his band, The Dead Flags, this hiatus by no means put out the fiery passion for music that burns in his heart. The embers may have been smouldering, but they had not gone out; then a stoking of those embers flared into full-fledged fire. Embracing a solo project, Fitzgerald returned from his self-imposed exile to release “fun songs about sad things”. The latest addition to his discography is the single, ‘You Had Your Chance’.

Taken from his well-received album, A Grand Romantic Gesture, ‘You Had Your Chance’ is that toe-tapping, head-bopping, highly danceable funk meets soul tune that you should blast at full volume to enjoy at its absolute best. Penned, composed, mixed and produced by Fitzgerald, with mixing by Christian Wright, ‘You Had Your Chance’ is a shimmering concoction of symphonic sounds and poetic lyricism. The blend of Fitzgerald’s guitar, bass, and stirring piano shines through the kaleidoscopic tapestry, while Dennis Cassidy’s percussion and pulsating drums slice along to bring an extra gleam to the track.

While the melody is intriguing, it is the vocals that add a little something-something to ‘You Had Your Chance’. Not necessarily masterfully overwhelming vocals, Fitzgerald’s voice has a subdued quality to its roughness; however, it is this subdued element that makes it outstanding. The vulnerability in its warmth captures the essence of ‘You Had Your Chance’ – a raw, honest, vulnerable song about broken relationships and heartache.

For me, ‘You Had Your Chance’ is not merely a song; it’s an emotional connection with a talented musician. Sincere, sentimental and authentic, listening to the single is like having a good old natter with your best friend – those ones where you say “well, you’re better off without that bloody *insert rude word here* anyway”.


In addition to the single, Billy Fitzgerald released an official music video for ‘You Had Your Chance’. You can view the video below and/or on his YouTube channel.



Find out more about Billy Fitzgerald on his Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Bandcamp and Spotify.

This artist was sent to us by Old Crows Promotions.


Listen to more soul music on The Other Side Reviews Soul playlist: