There’s a certain kind of wisdom that only comes with time. It’s not the kind you find in books or lectures, but the kind that’s etched into your soul by the miles you’ve travelled and the mistakes you’ve made.
It’s this hard-won wisdom that John Smyths, a man with a story to tell, has poured into his debut single, “Now I’m Wiser”
Born Johan Smits in the Netherlands in 1961, Smyths’ musical education was a tale of two worlds. On one hand, he was a disciple of the thunderous rock gods of the 70s and 80s – Kiss, Van Halen, Iron Maiden, and AC/DC.
On the other, he found himself drawn to the raw, honest storytelling of country legends like Hank Williams, Waylon Jennings, and Kenny Rogers.
This unlikely combination of influences has been simmering for decades, and with “Now I’m Wiser,” it has finally boiled over into a sound that’s both familiar and refreshingly new.
Now based in Germany, Smyths has spent years honing his craft, playing on stages across Europe and soaking up the stories of the people he’s met along the way.
You can hear it in his voice – a rich, lived-in baritone that carries the weight of experience without a hint of weariness. It’s a voice that’s seen its share of smoky bars and long, lonely highways, and it’s the perfect vehicle for the tale he has to tell.
“Now I’m Wiser” is a song that feels instantly classic. From the opening notes of the twangy guitar, you’re transported to a world of dusty roads and neon signs.
The arrangement is a masterclass in less-is-more, a rootsy, Nashville-laced sound that gives Smyths’ voice the space it needs to shine. The rhythm section is as solid as a rock, a steady heartbeat that drives the song forward without ever overpowering the story.
And what a story it is. The lyrics are a candid reflection on a life lived to the fullest, a confession of past missteps and a celebration of the lessons learned. There’s a raw honesty to Smyths’ words that’s impossible to fake.
He’s not afraid to admit his faults, but there’s no self-pity here. Instead, there’s a sense of acceptance, of a man who has made peace with his past and is looking forward to the future with a newfound sense of clarity.
The chorus is an earworm of the highest order, a simple yet profound statement that will have you humming along after just one listen.
It’s a testament to Smyths’ songwriting prowess that he can pack so much meaning into so few words.
This is a song that will resonate with anyone who’s ever looked back on their life and realized that the scars are just as important as the triumphs.
But don’t let the talk of wisdom and experience fool you – this is not a sombre, navel-gazing affair. There’s a fire in the belly of this song, a rock and roll spirit that’s impossible to ignore.
You can hear it in the swagger of the guitars, the punch of the drums, and the defiant energy in Smyths’ delivery. This is a song for rolling down the windows and singing at the top of your lungs, a celebration of life in all its messy, beautiful glory.
In a world of fleeting trends and disposable pop, John Smyths is a welcome reminder of the power of authentic, heartfelt music.
“Now I’m Wiser” is more than just a debut single; it’s the culmination of a lifetime of experience, a story that’s been waiting to be told. And now that it’s here, you owe it to yourself to listen.
What will you be wiser about tomorrow?
