Rich Anthony, a talented singer-songwriter from Joliet, United States, emerges with his track, “If,” a heartfelt folk-pop anthem that dives into life’s hardships while offering hope and positivity. Released on June 7, this song marks Rich’s soulful arrival on the music scene, with lyrics that reflect his journey of loss, struggle, and determination to see brighter days ahead. Keep on reading, as I delve into this beautiful piece of a track.
From the opening seconds of “If,” we are swept into an upbeat rhythm; a rapid fusion of strummed guitars and vibrant instrumentation that instantly grab our attention. The song’s foundation is beautifully constructed, setting the stage for Rich Anthony’s warm and resonant vocals. The tempo is lively, yet there’s a noticeable depth in the lyrics and delivery that contrasts with the upbeat sound. This duality is where “If” shines. It feels light and breezy, but beneath the surface, there’s a rawness—a reflection of life’s burdens and the will to push through them.
Rich’s vocals are earnest and heartfelt, delivering the lines with a sincerity that pulls us into his world. As he opens with “You wake up, can’t find your phone / in a crowd but feel so alone,” there’s an instant connection. He paints the picture of everyday frustrations, the little things that, when piled up, can feel overwhelming. Rich’s voice carries the weight of these struggles but is laced with a sense of optimism that tells us he’s been there—and made it through.
As the song progresses, we hear these relatable themes come alive in the lyrics: “Take a step and lose your way / need a drip but no way to pay.” These lines don’t shy away from life’s difficulties but instead reflect the chaos and unpredictability we all face. Yet, despite the heaviness of the words, the music continues to lift, creating an ironic but comforting contrast.
The production, on the other hand, enhances this balance with its rich layers, combining acoustic strings and a steady rhythm that keeps us moving forward, much like the song’s message itself.
For me, one of the standout moments in “If” comes at exactly 1:50, where Colin Schlegel’s guitar solo kicks in. This soulful interlude adds a powerful emotional depth to the song, soaring through the mix like a ray of light breaking through clouds. It’s a beautiful moment of reflection, where the instrumentation spoke as loudly as the lyrics which provided a space for me to feel the intensity of Rich’s message.
When it comes to the chorus, the anthem builds with lines like, “If you feel like life is breaking you down / if you feel like letting go.” Rich taps into universal emotions and the repetition of the chorus is like an embrace, reminding us that it’s okay to feel broken but that hope is always within reach. Also lines like, “You should feel like there’s a way to move on/if you reach out your hand,” bring the song full circle, offering reassurance and a sense of forward momentum.
In essence, “If” is a beacon of light in tough times. It’s a reminder that no matter how hard life gets, there’s always a way to move forward, as long as we keep looking up, as Rich sings: “Just look up to the sky / don’t look down, leave your worries behind.” The message is clear: positivity and hope are choices, even when life feels overwhelming. “If” is a bold and refreshing statement by Rich Anthony and he deserves applause. His ability to turn personal pain into a universally relatable and uplifting anthem shows true artistry. He has brought more than music, and has offered a sense of hope, one beat at a time.
Listen to “If” by Rich Anthony on Spotify
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