Troy Garrick's Junior Album "Shift" Is Out Now

From The Heartthrob Project to Neon, we’ve found ourselves here. Today marks the release of Troy Garrick’s junior album, Shift. While collectively we enjoy the creative spins that Garrick delivers with covers like Ariana Grande’s (originally Beyonce’s) R.E.M (Wake Up) and acoustic cover mash-up PassionGalore (a blend of Drake’s “Passionfruit” and SZA’s “Love Galore”), it is an honor to be invited into the creative process, vulnerability, and relatability Garrick offers on his personal projects. Here’s a little preview of what you can expect when listening to Shift.

“Okay”

The title of this song is a word that’s used rather passively, but the message of the song is oppositely passionate and intentional. “Okay” begins with a strong beat accompanied by an accusation: “You said you would never doubt me/dream about vacays in Maui”. He seems to be singing of a toxic relationship, one in which he underwent “mutation”, becoming a product of forceful expectations. “Okay” is a type of declaration – and while Garrick is asking for permission throughout the song, questioning “is it okay,” it’s evident that he will be getting what he wants with or without approval.

“Lifted”

From “Okay” we transition, into track two, titled “Lifted”. The euphoria of the production is as inviting as the song’s opening lyrics, as Garrick sings “the night is so young/and so are…we.” It’s persistent in its optimism – with the lyrics, melody, and happy production touches wonderfully encapsulating the sound of opportunity with appropriate lyrics accompanying that same theme: “tonight we’re gonna win/tonight we’re giving in.” High-toned synths that seem to be working towards a trumpet sound nicely separate each break between the chorus and verse that follows - all on top of a foundational bass line. “Giving in” never felt more powerful.

“Torn-Up”

“Torn-Up” is a chance to slow down and catch your breath – a raw ballad of reflection with themes reminiscent of Luther Vandross’s “A House is Not A Home”. Garrick sings of coming to the realization that he’s sharing a love with someone who “shines like a treasure” but at what cost? Why does this song that portrays a message of admiration and infatuation leave us feeling so sad?

“Shift”

This title track is one that attendees of the Dentonite’s Voter Revolution had the privilege of experiencing prior to release. Garrick, when asked by Patrick Crowley of Billboard to describe expectations for his SXSW showcase replied with, “think church choir meets the middle of nightclub”. This song is exactly that – church choir in its message of unfailing and inevitable fate of reversion back to one’s old-self, and unapologetically nightclub in its Jersey-club inspired production.

Shift, at its simplest, is a “project [that] lyrically drifts between the mind of a naive hopeless romantic, youthful party culture, and total uncertainty about the future.” While nothing during this time in life is certain, the potency in our feelings throughout these moments is always valid and ever-beautiful.

 If you want more, be sure to catch tonight’s album release in Denton. Only stipulation is that you must come ready to dance. Shift can be found on all major streaming platforms now!