Candace Asher’s latest single “Don’t Lose Heart” changes the country-Americana 2021 landscape. After a whirlwind 2020 of loss, fear and unknowns, it’s such a gift to return to a sound and a song that enhances the true American country sound. In a time where the modern sound goes far too away from the country standards, “Don’t Lose Heart” reels the listener back into the core of a successful song: great lyrics and greater vocals. Asher’s voice barely veers into Americana, and as a singer with a confident approach and instant rapport, “Don’t Lose Heart” is the anthem we should all be singing.
Asher co-wrote “Don’t Lose Heart” with prolific songwriter and multiple Dove Award Winner, Dwight Liles. His songs include “A Mighty Fortress” (Steve Green), “If We Only Had The Heart” (Bruce Carroll and Ricky Skaggs), “I Can’t Believe My Eyes” (Gaither Vocal Band) and many more. What you hear is what you get with this track – and that means if you’re seeking a song that feeds your soul, this is it. “Don’t Lose Heart” is inspiring and the way Asher sings it, it could definitely be a country-Christian crossover. My gut tells me this is a country song, though, because of the tempo and the slight draw from the electric guitar. I don’t think Asher has a strong country accent – after all she is from New York state. It makes it all the more memorable and universal that she isn’t from the South. She’s adopted the sound but makes it her own.
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Flowing beneath her lovely vocals are guitars, quiet percussion and a soaring piano foundation. Her voice is just astonishing and added to the mix – she sings of being there to help to keep the fire burning, you believe it. I think this song is about not losing hope, and about believing in yourself. I suppose it can also be a romantic storyline, too. This is a deep friendship and a strong bond between Asher and her intended listener. You can fiddle around with the meaning. Any which way you listen, there is a strong connection and Asher is communicating an evocative conversation. In the midst of this transverse love, Asher’s range evolves. She hits the higher notes towards the end of the song, as if she were an angel floating back to heaven. Maybe that’s a bit dramatic…I felt pure elation listening to her voice. She’s stripped down in her approach and nearly immaculate. I truly can’t find any fault with her voice. Her harmonies are secure and empowering to the listener.
“Don’t Lose Heart” is a churning reprise. When life gets you down, “Don’t Lose Heart” is the next best thing to a phone call with a best friend. On the surface it might just be a sweet, cozy country tune; after a few spins, it’s a dynamic song that doesn’t need a genre label affixed. With a wonderful nod to traditional country sound, Asher catapults “Don’t Lose Heart” into a modern song with epic emotions
Clay Burton
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