Steve Dennis is breaking hearts and bringing back memories with his new track “Annie” which was released on October 11th. “Annie” is Dennis’ fourth single following “Lighthouse Inn” in 2021 and “Run Down” and “Walls” in 2023. Dennis, a songwriter based in Cape Ann, Massachusetts, shows his skills in this track as an incredible songwriter and exhibits his ability to write beautiful and emotional melodies.
The song tells a deeply personal story about trust and learning to love again after trauma. The narrative starts with a car ride over to Annie’s house, anxious and scared of what could happen- “I’m on my way down 95 repeating just what I want to say”. The song then progresses into a beautiful parallel between the good and bad memories that have led up to this conversation, recalling all of the hurt that the two people went through and how they’ve been there for each other through it all. Dennis sings “Dancing from the parking lot with a smile stretched from ear to ear”, and ends the chorus with heartbreaking lyrics and vocals with the line “Guess I’m not ready to say goodbye”.
This track combines an, at times, devastating story with silver linings threaded throughout. As much as Dennis sings about heartbreak, he immediately follows it with glimmers of hope for the future. This makes “Annie” a track about all different kinds of love- love that’s ended and love that’s beginning. Love that breaks hearts and love that heals them. Dennis ends the song with a line similar to Madi Diaz’s “Weird Faith”, that looks toward the future, whatever it may be- “A new love could find me soon”.
Dennis’ musicianship in this track is extremely impressive. His background vocals create an angelic sound that makes the story feel like a distant yet fond memory. On top of that, his ability to tell this story through his lyrics makes it clear that this song and the story behind are very important to him. At the beginning of the song, Dennis sings in the first person, worried about a relationship ending and ready to express his love. In the last chorus, the perspective switches to talk to Annie and reassure her about all she’s gone through- “You’re on your way down 95 repeating just what you want to say… you can’t risk letting me get away”.
This last section affirms the two characters’ mirrored feelings and adds an extra emotional layer to the song’s chorus. “Annie” has left an impact that will stay with me for a long time. Dennis’ clear passion and talent make him an artist whose future releases we should all be watching for.
Reviewed by Steph Stone
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