Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Calvin Ryan – Trying (2022)

While there are a lot of heartbreak songs out there, Calvin Ryan brings something new to this with his emotionally relatable single ‘Trying’. Diving into the heartbreak of a broken relationship, the single is told from the wrongdoer’s side as it covers the apology for the way they have acted. Through the lyrics, Ryan brings the understanding of what they did wrong to an admission that they are trying to make up for their past.

Packed with sorrow, regrets, apologies and the ultimate use of vice to ease the pain, the single is a wonderful blend of RnB, emo and pop. Since bursting onto the music scene with his unique style and passion, Ryan has been gaining serious attention. Using the skills he honed working in recording studios and merging it with his bi-lingual vocals, he has created versatile songs that instantly connect with relatable emotions.



‘Trying’ has a rich RnB opening that is washed with autotune and leads you to a beat that is all hip-hop. The jitter of the higher levels of the melody adds texture to the steady sound of the lower levels. Through the melody, you can hear the blend of different styles and genres that work together fantastically. As the single progresses, there is a shuffle and pulse to the melody that is rather subtle, but still moves you to its rhythm. At times, the melody is stripped-back to allow the emotions of the vocals to really shine. There is something woven into the melody that has you swaying lightly to the movement.

As the initial rich tones draw you into the single, there is an electronic touch to the vocals that call to you from a distance. When the main vocal line hits, it is smooth, yet carries a pained plea. There is a knowledge of past wrongs in the lyrics and the plea for forgiveness. This is tempered with the feeling of drowning in the negative emotions that have come from the heartbreak of a broken relationship. It is a very interesting take on heartbreak as you are dropped into the wrongdoer’s feelings and the conflict they feel. It is really powerful in its emotive flow that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves a trail of pain.

Calvin Ryan inundates the senses with pain, heartbreak, regrets and the spiral into alcohol, following a broken relationship in ‘Trying’. The melody is a wonderful blend of sounds with a light electronic wash over the higher levels. The vocals are powerful as they pull you in with a great smoothness before injecting the emotions of the single into your veins.

Find out more about Calvin Ryan on his website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.

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