Joe Uzzo: “We Can’t Be Friends” – an immaculate production

Brooklyn singer-songwriter Joe Uzzo seems like one of those unassuming but highly intelligent people. On his new single “We Can’t Be Friends”, done in collaboration with co-writer and co-producer Raffaele D’Onofrio, he makes everything comes together, as it should in a pop song. Not only is the production immaculate, and the vocals are spot on. The songwriting manages to be both clever and direct. There is just many great things going on in the song that I find it hard to believe that any radio station would turn this down for airplay. Filled with easy to grasp lyrically imagery, this is one of those songs that is catchy from the very first listen.

Joe has also figured out that you need to have fun in the studio, besides all the hard work that goes into putting together a quality product… and it shows on the track. There is a bristling energy to go with his fun little ad-libs, amazing scats and goofy vocal ends which make this track all the more special and entertaining. Of course the quirky (but very real) storyline of not being able to just be friends with a lady you like, helps to keep the adrenaline pumping throughout the track.

This track is very addicting; I listened to it five times in a row before writing this. I had never heard of Joe Uzzo before, and did not know what to expect. I’m not a pop music fanatic, because, contrary to popular belief, there really are only a few hands full of artists who know how to write a proper 3-minute pop song, and most of them don’t even come from this era!

Fortunately Joe Uzzo and his writing partner are among these, at least judging from this song. And when it’s as good as “We Can’t Be Friends” it becomes a sublime piece of art – able to capture and hold your attention, stimulate your mind, and fire up some your emotions.

Aside from the amazing songwriting and melody line of course, there is the immaculate musicianship, incredible audio production, and great singing by Joe, which is what ultimately gives the song its engaging formula. You can feel his energy and the emotion being expressed through the music, as well as the video clip, which is also very cleverly done.

All round this may be deemed popular art, but with plenty of depth, both musically and lyrically to keep you hooked and coming back for more. And fundamentally that is what this game is all about if you want success to be a de facto option!

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