Let me introduce you to IN KELLY, a captivating new voice from the depths of Norway. Hailing from Nesodden, Kjetil Rønningen, the mastermind behind IN KELLY, weaves a tapestry of sound that will linger with you long after the last note fades. His recent creation, “I Thought I Was Your Sidekick,” released on March 6, and the second solo single from his upcoming album “Under the Birch Tree,” is a poignant exploration of loyalty, disillusionment, and the sting of being taken for granted. Keep reading for my thoughts on how much this piece costs.
“I Thought I Was Your Sidekick” opens with a melody that’s as captivating as it is alluring. Think shimmering guitar lines that dance around a steady, almost hypnotic beat. Rønningen’s vocals then wash over us, a gentle baritone that perfectly captures the weariness in the lyrics: “Long days passing in your garden; think my skin has hardened.” Here, we meet him, entrenched in a dynamic that’s grown stale. The “garden” imagery suggests a nurturing role, and the hardening skin speaks to a growing emotional distance. I will say this: it’s one of the most beautiful introductions to a song this pensive.
IN KELLY’s performance is breathtaking. He imbues every lyric with a raw vulnerability, his voice cracking with emotion at just the right moments. There’s a sense of quiet strength beneath the surface—a man wrestling with both anger and a deep-seated affection for someone who no longer sees his worth.
As the song unfolds, we hear a tale of unrequited support, of being the one who tirelessly prepares the “punchline” for someone else’s success. The lyrics, “Thought I was your sidekick / Making you look so slick / Prepping for the punchline / Taken from my gold mine,” paint a vivid picture of this one-sided dynamic. Yet, there’s a quiet dignity in IN Kelly’s delivery. He doesn’t wallow in self-pity; there’s a quiet strength that emerges, particularly in the lines, “Then it’s not your fault to be at fault with everyone; I’ll take the final blow.”
Now, the production is a positive, enjoyable event that never lets us down, repeatedly enticing us with its beauty and layering, particularly near the finish with the piano melodies. IN KELLY, the producer deserves an extra mention for creating such a beautiful composition and providing us with a sound reward for all of the excellent performance and production throughout the song. Each note seems purposeful, giving depth and character to the emotional environment. Based on what I’ve heard, I believe it’s safe to say that everyone who plugs in their earbuds and presses the play button will have an unforgettable experience. Aside from the excellent vocals, the song’s solid and steady rhythm section elevates it to a whole different height.
In the end, “I Thought I Was Your Sidekick” is a poignant reflection on the intricacies of the human heart and the bittersweet journey of self-discovery. With each note, IN KELLY invites us to delve into the depths of our emotions and emerge stronger, wiser, and more connected than before. So, my dear friends, I urge you to lose yourself in the magic of IN Kelly’s “Thought I Was Your Sidekick.” Let its melodies wash over you like a gentle breeze, and let its lyrics stir something deep within your soul. In this song, we will find not just music but a reflection of the human experience—a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is beauty to be found. Embrace it. Cherish it. And let it remind you that you are never alone.
Listen to “I Thought I Was Your Sidekick” by IN KELLY on Spotify and let us know your thoughts.
You can follow IN KELLY here for more information.
