Ever since the eclipse there has been a boost of great energy around! The sun feels warmer and even the rain smells sweeter. The eclipse seems to have been what really ended the last of the winter weather and set spring into full motion. I’ve seen more people cutting their grass, being outside, and soon we’ll be getting ready for my personal favorite: outside events! This month I chose a song that reflects the way I’ve been feeling ever since the eclipse. After doing some song digging through the recent songs I’ve been introduced to, I decided on “No Longer Bound” by Forrest Frank featuring Hulvey. I’m a huge fan of piano, being a pianist myself, and the bright piano chords in this song met the vibe I was looking for! The Hip-hop and Pop fusion on this track also captures a feeling that is truly hard to beat.
“Even in the valley of the shadow of death (Yeah)
I can take rest ’cause the living God is living in my chest”
Forrest Frank is an independent artist and producer from Texas and Hulvey is from Georgia. Their sound in their music is undeniably Christian, with spiritual references all throughout the song like Jesus setting us free (hence the name of the song), referencing Psalms 23:4, and mentioning the everflowing love God pours out to each one of us. The funky instrumental break is also worth a mention! I’ve even checked out a few of the other songs these two have collaborated on and it’s all great spiritually charged-up music based around the love they have for the Lord. It’s refreshing to do these reviews because finding new secular music is not always hard for me to come by, but really good spiritually uplifting music is especially refreshing to hear. There’s a freeing feeling that’s hard to describe.
“Life been hittin’ hard, let’s take it slow
Take a walk by the river and let You flow”
The music video of a song is usually an interesting interpretation of a song; with this one having a beautiful message. At the beginning, we see Forrest Frank who gives a brief message and then the music video, which ends up being a collaboration with a ton of fans, has a powerful message of how each one of them overcame some type of vice and they too, are no longer bound! It was shocking to see how many submissions there were for this music video and it truly showed how much he is loved by his fans. That type of thing gives me hope that music is going in a more positive direction, or perhaps it’s always been there, but it’s prevalence is growing.
“You came to set us free
I am no longer bound (Oh, Lord)”
If “April showers bring May flowers” then may you get your flowers this month. I can see the sun starting to pop out at the time of writing this, which is giving me insight for a great day coming forth! I also hope that you too feel a sense of freedom when you hear “No Longer Bound.”
References:
“April Showers Bring May Flowers Explained.” YouTube, 14 Apr. 2015,. Accessed 01 May 2024.
Frank, Forrest. “Forrest Frank – No Longer Bound (Official Music Video) Feat. Hulvey.” YouTube.Com, Forrest Frank, 7 Mar. 2023. Accessed 01 May 2024.
Frank, Forrest. “‘No Longer Bound’ (Feat. Hulvey) by Forrest Frank Lyrics.” Genius, 6 Jan. 2023. Accessed 01 May 2024.