Alistair Griffin - Always No 1
The lyrics speak of a refusal to give up, a willingness to take a risk and try again. With dynamic drums and emotive strings, Always No 1 is a song to soundtrack new beginnings.
Displaying perfectly how to produce the instrumental components for an anthemic pop tune, Griffin’s latest is taken beyond a simple ‘stadium pop’ formula by his lyrics.
Emotionally intelligent and sometimes vulnerable, the power of the word lies at the core of Alistair’s songwriting style. Always No 1 describes loss and failure, but a belief in the future, a steely determination to 'still chase that light' that can resonate with everyone.
Already recognised for its emotive encouraging style, Always No 1 was used to close Andy Murray’s semi final win on the BBCs Wimbledon coverage, and during a recent appearance on ITV’s This Morning Philip Schofield declared it, along with album Albion Sky, the soundtrack to his roadtrip across America.
The perfect accompaniment to epic landscapes and achievements alike, Always No 1 feels ambitious and confident, with Griffin describing it as 'unashamed heart on the sleeve music that makes no apology'.
With recent performances to 20,000 fans at the Formula One British Grand Prix and Hard Rock Calling, Alistair has taken his music to audiences both familiar and new. First single ‘Just Drive’ from the album ‘Albion Sky’ was revealed in March as the title music for Formula 1 2012, receiving a brilliant reaction and even attracting praise from F1 drivers past and present with Lewis Hamilton, Mark Webber, Eddie Jordan and Damon Hill professing to 'love the song' which topped a recent poll as Best Driving related theme song ever.
Griffin certainly knows how to write a sporting anthem, speaking recently to BBC Arts he explained 'I’m a sucker for the old soaring chorus. Those things match up with the endeavour of sport' and the use of a third track of his This Is London in the London Olympic coverage cements him in that sphere.
Produced by Ed Bueller (best known for his work with Suede, Pulp, White Lies and The Courteneers), Albion Sky, released in July, has been a long time coming for Griffin, who’s lyrical honesty lays bare the emotions of an artist 'ready for the next phase' in his career.
Written by Griffin with collaborations from Brian Howes, Eliot Kennedy and Paul Banks, the resulting album is a revealing tome of a musician matured and comfortable in his own skin.