(August 25, 2023) We’ve been fans of the songwriting and production team of Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony, aka Louis York, since they first burst on the scene over a decade ago. In the time since, they’ve helped elevate the music of such greats as Mary J. Blige, Chrisette Michelle and Bruno Mars, as well as released their own music.
For their latest single, the duo bring in soul music legend Anthony Hamilton on a relatable song of longing. The duo opens with the line “I’ve been travelling so long; I’m just searching for a heart to call a home” over the accompaniment of an acoustic guitar and restrained rhythm section.
But over the course of the song, the melancholy turns to gratitude, particularly on the Anthony Hamilton-led second verse, which pays tribute to the woman stuck who with him through those difficult moments and “didn’t let me drown.” The subsequent group sing-a-long is absolutely uplifting.
The song is terrific and the performance may be even better. Check out “Alone Too Long” below.
By Chris Rizik