To some extent or another, the idea of people we've previously been with still being hung up on us is comforting. It makes us feel desired and wanted - even when that's not necessarily the reality. This illusion we've created for ourselves can help us heal and move on from this partner, the relationship, and any of the potential we attached to it. But this illusion is shattered when we see our former partner with someone else; it invokes a series of feelings we had no idea existed. "Painting Houses" by Alex Spinney provides listeners with an accurate portrayal of what it is like to experience this event first-hand.
"Painting Houses" is a synth-pop single accompanied by light piano and violin playing alongside Spinney's soulful vocals. These elements interact beautifully with one another to express the cornucopia of emotions we experience when we see a former flame move on with someone else. Even if we're aware that this previous partner was not the one, as Spinney points out in his lyrics, it's still a shock to the system to witness this event unfold. It also calls on us to review and assess our time with this partner to pinpoint what prevented our relationship from achieving a deep commitment - a commitment they effortlessly accomplished with someone else. This single, if anything, is mourning the potential the relationship had. And this heartache becomes all the more difficult to stomach when we realize we're miles away from having this with someone else.
Alex Spinney is a British singer and songwriter based in London. "Painting Houses" is the third single to be released from the artist. His earlier catchy singles include "Boodiyayay" and "I Remember". The artist also has an infinity for covering songs on TikTok and YouTube! My personal favorite is his cover of Valerie as a ballad on TikTok. Now go out of your way to show Alex some much-needed virtual love through the socials and streams.
Written By Giavanna Gradaille
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