Saskatchewan musician Ron Loos recently released his album Ordinary Shine. It is a dose of serotonin on rainy days. The record contains unique metaphorical lyrics enabling listeners to create their own interpretation.
Loos’ sound is heavily inspired by The Rolling Stones, as he is influenced by Keith Richard’s guitar riff, the Stone’s lyrics, and album structure. One of Loos’ favourite Roling Stones record is “Exile On Main Street”. Loos showcases this musical variety in Ordinary Shine as it ranges from folk, rock and roll, blues, and indie-pop in a way that feels cohesive, focusing on the themes of positivity and resilience.
The title track, “Ordinary Shine,” is about embracing the present moment rather than wishing life were different. In the chorus, Loos sings, “sometimes it’s hard to see when the ordinary shines, but it’s always right there underneath.”
In an interview with Loos, he reflected on the meaning of this line, which is about stepping back and finding the shine in every moment, especially challenging ones. This sentiment is deeply personal to Loos as he is a recovered addict and alcoholic, sober since 1995. Creating music was an outlet of healing during this time, giving Loos the strength to move forward. His music inspires me to keep going even during tough times.
This message of perseverance is further conveyed in the production. This song has an electrifying guitar line that is bold and rich, acting as an additional character in the story. As it echoes some of the lyrics, this motif occurs multiple times in the song.
However, one example is in the first verse, Loos sings, “it never stops like a storm that keeps on pounding.” This line is followed by a pulsing, brief guitar solo which mimics the booming sound of thunder.
Another track that captured my attention was “Summer Sun.” I enjoyed the specificity in the lyrics, enabling me to visualize the Canada Day celebration that inspired this song. However, what comes to mind when I listen to “Summer Sun” is the nostalgia for childhood. As I am transported back to the last day of elementary school, I am standing in the hallway, taking in the rush of excitement as the school bell rings for the final time, marking another chapter of growing up. This sense of freedom is conveyed in “Summer Sun” through the soaring melody and upbeat production, making me feel the warmth of summer. It is the song I will be blasting at my next pool party or on the open road.
I will let this multi-genre album speak for itself; however, the song “Love Lives Everywhere” deserves an honourable mention, as it is a mantra of hope. I rated this album 10/10 as I was moved by the personal, poetic, and powerful message. I also enjoyed how the production evoked many emotions and mood, leaving me with a sense of triumph. I hope to hear these songs live in the future.
