Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

HAGNÄS – Follow the River (2022)

There are moments throughout our lives when we feel that we don’t have the strength or self-belief needed to move forward. Whenever you feel like this, all you need to do is listen to ‘Follow the River’ by HAGNÄS. This single is packed with strength, self-belief and trust that leads to the confidence necessary to move forward and overcome any obstacles you are facing.

The single was written in 2013 when she was facing an obstacle of her own and felt that she was not able to move forward. The personal touch of the single merges with the folk tones of the melody to bolster the empowering flow of the track. Since she started playing music professionally in 2016, she has hundreds of concerts under her belt and is gaining a serious following of listeners who love her melancholic yet hopeful sound.



‘Follow the River’ grabs your attention with HAGNÄS’ vocals that have a wonderful earthy folk feeling. There is an honesty and authenticity to her performance as she carefully draws you out onto the water of the river. The empowerment of the single slowly builds through her performance and the imagery that inundates your senses. While there is a push to believe in yourself and face the obstacles life throws at you, she also offers a helping hand and support. She lets you know that you are not alone as you push through life. At times, her vocals have a whispered feeling to them that adds a fragility to the flow only to rise with renewed strength. As you listen to her performance, you will feel the urge to close your eyes and soak up her performance while sinking into the tender tones.

As she draws you into the single through the earthy folk vocals, there is a stripped-back melody that brings early morning light to the track. The acoustic guitar fills the main melodic line gently lapping against your senses. In the later moments of the track, a piano line enters bringing an almost bluesy twist to the music. At this moment, you feel like you are breathing in the clear yet chilled air of a body of water that washes away any negativity and leaves peace in its wake. It is impossible to listen to this single and not feel lighter at the end while knowing that you are not alone in the struggles you face.

Through the stripped-back folk beauty of ‘Follow the River’, HAGNÄS slowly builds your self-belief while offering the support we all need when facing obstacles in life. Her vocals are stunning as she draws you out onto the water and slowly builds up your strength while offering a helping hand. The stripped-back melody is like early morning light slowly creeping over the water and the refreshing chilled air that washes away negativity.

Find out more about HAGNÄS on her website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.

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