Newcastle based blues infused roots/Americana act, Genevieve Chadwick, is back with her highly anticipated third album, “Best Left for the Willing”, out now.
Recorded at the picturesque Jervis Bay Recording Studio under the skilled guidance of producer, Syd Green, “Best Left for The Willing” marks her first release since “Playing for Change Presents Genevieve Chadwick” in 2014, and after a decade of reflection and growth, she felt it was time to reconnect her music to the world.
“Best Left for the Willing” features a talented ensemble of musicians including Syd Green, Mick Malouf, renowned guitarist Pete Cornelius and of course, Genevieve Chadwick. Each track is filled with the same raw energy that has become her trademark, but with the depth and maturity of an artist who has truly lived her songs. “Best Left for the Willing” delivers what her fans love most: raw, unpretentious music with grit, soul and the unmistakable power of her voice.
The album includes ten original tracks covering an array of personal heartbreak, the complexities that go along with those emotions, and coming out the other side. It showcases an artist who is unafraid of her vulnerabilities and one that has successfully clawed her way back , leaving listeners with a sense of introspection and hope.
Recorded at the picturesque Jervis Bay Recording Studio under the skilled guidance of producer, Syd Green, “Best Left for The Willing” marks her first release since “Playing for Change Presents Genevieve Chadwick” in 2014, and after a decade of reflection and growth, she felt it was time to reconnect her music to the world.
“Best Left for the Willing” features a talented ensemble of musicians including Syd Green, Mick Malouf, renowned guitarist Pete Cornelius and of course, Genevieve Chadwick. Each track is filled with the same raw energy that has become her trademark, but with the depth and maturity of an artist who has truly lived her songs. “Best Left for the Willing” delivers what her fans love most: raw, unpretentious music with grit, soul and the unmistakable power of her voice.
The album includes ten original tracks covering an array of personal heartbreak, the complexities that go along with those emotions, and coming out the other side. It showcases an artist who is unafraid of her vulnerabilities and one that has successfully clawed her way back , leaving listeners with a sense of introspection and hope.
"BEST LEFT FOR THE WILLING" - TRACK BY TRACK
#1 - WILDFIRE
"Wildfire" captures the moment of awakening and confrontation of one’s own truths, acknowledging the internal struggles that have been buried and ignored but continue to rise to the surface. The lyrics delve into escapism and the consequences of not facing the truth. "Wildfire" is a call to confront the chaos within, despite the costs and the fallout, reminding us that true transformation often begins with an honest reckoning.
#2 – EASY AND SLOW
"Easy and Slow" is a provocative exploration of love and desire against the urgency of life, suggesting that these moments are best savoured rather than rushed. The song embraces the emotional mayhem of falling in love and surrendering to vulnerability in the process. Ultimately, "Easy and Slow" takes you through the push-and-pull of love—its messiness, its beauty, and the quiet moments that define real connection.
#3 – READY OR ABLE
"Ready or Able" is an introspective look at the complexities of emotional readiness, mixed with hesitation and fear. The lyrics reveal a deep longing for intimacy, contrasted with a candid admission of limitations. It captures the bittersweet tension between love's potential and the inner conflict of not being ready - or able - to fully commit. The song unfolds moments of tenderness and desperation, yet the underlying theme remains: the recognition that true love requires both readiness and willingness.
#4 - HEADLIGHTS
"Headlights" plunges into the restless search for direction amid uncertainty. It conveys the feeling of standing at a crossroads, where clarity flickers between the contrasts of light and shadow, hope and doubt. The lyrics carry a raw, almost primal energy, as if the song itself is howling for a sign to guide the way forward. The music amplifies this sense of urgency - its rhythm pulsing like a heartbeat on the edge of decision. In the face of the unknown, there’s a palpable plea for guidance, as the track explores what it means to be at the mercy of forces beyond control. Yet, amidst this turbulence, there’s also a quiet surrender—an acceptance that the hardest path, though still unclear, may ultimately lead to something greater. "Headlights" leaves you suspended in that powerful moment of hesitation, where the journey ahead is uncertain, but the resolve to move forward is undeniable.
#5 – BLOOD SWEAT TEARS
"Blood Sweat Tears" is a raw and visceral anthem through the aftermath of heartbreak, capturing the emotional weight of trying to find closure when love has shattered. The song opens with a sense of finality, reflecting on the fracture of a relationship, but quickly reveals the deeper struggle of processing the loss. As the track unfolds, it touches on the unexpected ways others can support and pull you back from the edge - often without them realising the profound impact they have. It’s a testament to the quiet ways we heal, often when we least expect it.
#6 – GIVE ME REASON
"Give Me Reason" is a poignant reflection on heartbreak and the quest for clarity in a turbulent relationship. The song begins with the narrator feeling submerged in emotional turmoil, where even simple acts like breathing become challenging. This metaphor sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the confusion stemming from a partner's secretive and deceptive behaviour. As the lyrics unfold, the narrator expresses a longing for honesty and decency, emphasizing the importance of truth in relationships. Despite holding on to the hope of connection, the realization dawns that their partner has already distanced themselves. The chorus captures the essence of vulnerability and the desire for a valid explanation as to why things have unravelled. Amidst the heartbreak, the narrator reflects on life's ironic twists, acknowledging that sometimes painful lessons are necessary for growth. The song encapsulates a mix of sadness and acceptance, with the narrator recognising the need to let go while still yearning for a sense of connection. "Give Me Reason" ultimately highlights the complexities of love, trust, and the search for understanding, leaving listeners with a bittersweet resonance that speaks to the heart of human experience.
#7 - PAINLESS
"Painless" is an introspective journey through the complexities of love and self-discovery. The song opens with a heartfelt dedication, capturing the essence of a relationship that has slowed down yet remains meaningful. The narrator expresses a sense of falling, both emotionally and metaphorically, as she struggles to catch her partner while navigating her own vulnerabilities. The lyrics invite the listener to embrace the uncertainty of love, acknowledging its wild and sometimes reckless nature. The refrain poses the poignant question: "Can it be painless?" - a reflection on the inherent risks and challenges of intimacy. The narrator grapples with her own fears, recognizing the need to prioritize her personal growth while still holding space for love. As the song progresses, there’s a clear call for honesty and independence, encouraging her partner not to wait for her while she works through her own feelings. With themes of self-empowerment and resilience, "Painless" ultimately conveys the message that while love can be tumultuous, it can also be a path to healing and self-acceptance. The song leaves listeners with a sense of hope, suggesting that true love can exist alongside the journey of finding oneself.
#8 – ALL BEHIND
"All Behind" is a poignant anthem of resilience and self-discovery, exploring the journey of leaving behind a familiar life in pursuit of something greater. The narrator reflects on the sacrifices made - placing all his bets on love and adventure, even when it seemed foolish to others. With a sense of nostalgia, he recalls the challenges faced after following his heart out west, emphasizing the emotional toll of lost connections and broken dreams. Navigating feelings of betrayal and confusion, the chorus serves as a powerful reminder to embrace change and fight for the life one truly desires. Encouraging a "little darling" to also leave the past behind, the song underscores the importance of healing and self-empowerment. With an uplifting message, "All Behind" emphasizes that while the path may be fraught with pain, it also holds the promise of rediscovery and renewal. The narrator's determination to gather himself and pursue a life filled with love and fulfillment resonates deeply, leaving listeners with a sense of hope and encouragement to embrace their own journeys of transformation.
#9 – WANTING MORE
"Wanting More" is a candid exploration of the aftermath of a relationship and the emotional complexities that follow. The song opens with the narrator acknowledging the scars left behind, reflecting on a journey marked by hurt and the decision to move forward. With a sense of finality, she expresses that she can’t return to the past, having taken her bow from a love that once consumed her. The lyrics convey a mix of defiance and vulnerability, highlighting the narrator's realization that both she and her partner have changed, yet the longing remains. As the chorus echoes the partner's desire for more, there’s an underlying tension between wanting to reconnect and recognizing the need for distance. The refrain poses poignant questions about unspoken feelings and the struggles of letting go.
Ultimately, "Wanting More" captures the bittersweet essence of love lost, revealing the complexities of moving on while still grappling with residual emotions. The song resonates with anyone who has faced the challenge of navigating the fine line between closure and desire, leaving listeners with a sense of introspection and hope for future connections.
#10 - DELIVER
"Deliver" is an electrifying exploration of passion and the complexities of emotional connection. The song opens with the narrator acknowledging her limitations, asserting that she can't be a cure for her partner's pain, but she can serve as a form of medicine - an enticing escape from their troubles. This duality sets the tone for a relationship steeped in desire and vulnerability. As the lyrics unfold, the narrator invites her partner to share their secrets, creating a sense of intimacy while maintaining an air of independence. The imagery of treading water captures the struggle to stay afloat amidst emotional turbulence, while the river serves as a metaphor for cleansing and renewal. The chorus implores her partner to “deliver” their love before it’s too late, emphasizing urgency and the need for connection.
With a rhythmic intensity, "Deliver" encapsulates the heat of attraction and the yearning for deeper intimacy. The playful yet passionate lyrics suggest a willingness to embrace wild moments and surrender to the chaos of love. Ultimately, the song celebrates the exhilarating highs and precarious depths of desire, inviting listeners to revel in the transformative power of connection before the opportunity slips away.
#1 - WILDFIRE
"Wildfire" captures the moment of awakening and confrontation of one’s own truths, acknowledging the internal struggles that have been buried and ignored but continue to rise to the surface. The lyrics delve into escapism and the consequences of not facing the truth. "Wildfire" is a call to confront the chaos within, despite the costs and the fallout, reminding us that true transformation often begins with an honest reckoning.
#2 – EASY AND SLOW
"Easy and Slow" is a provocative exploration of love and desire against the urgency of life, suggesting that these moments are best savoured rather than rushed. The song embraces the emotional mayhem of falling in love and surrendering to vulnerability in the process. Ultimately, "Easy and Slow" takes you through the push-and-pull of love—its messiness, its beauty, and the quiet moments that define real connection.
#3 – READY OR ABLE
"Ready or Able" is an introspective look at the complexities of emotional readiness, mixed with hesitation and fear. The lyrics reveal a deep longing for intimacy, contrasted with a candid admission of limitations. It captures the bittersweet tension between love's potential and the inner conflict of not being ready - or able - to fully commit. The song unfolds moments of tenderness and desperation, yet the underlying theme remains: the recognition that true love requires both readiness and willingness.
#4 - HEADLIGHTS
"Headlights" plunges into the restless search for direction amid uncertainty. It conveys the feeling of standing at a crossroads, where clarity flickers between the contrasts of light and shadow, hope and doubt. The lyrics carry a raw, almost primal energy, as if the song itself is howling for a sign to guide the way forward. The music amplifies this sense of urgency - its rhythm pulsing like a heartbeat on the edge of decision. In the face of the unknown, there’s a palpable plea for guidance, as the track explores what it means to be at the mercy of forces beyond control. Yet, amidst this turbulence, there’s also a quiet surrender—an acceptance that the hardest path, though still unclear, may ultimately lead to something greater. "Headlights" leaves you suspended in that powerful moment of hesitation, where the journey ahead is uncertain, but the resolve to move forward is undeniable.
#5 – BLOOD SWEAT TEARS
"Blood Sweat Tears" is a raw and visceral anthem through the aftermath of heartbreak, capturing the emotional weight of trying to find closure when love has shattered. The song opens with a sense of finality, reflecting on the fracture of a relationship, but quickly reveals the deeper struggle of processing the loss. As the track unfolds, it touches on the unexpected ways others can support and pull you back from the edge - often without them realising the profound impact they have. It’s a testament to the quiet ways we heal, often when we least expect it.
#6 – GIVE ME REASON
"Give Me Reason" is a poignant reflection on heartbreak and the quest for clarity in a turbulent relationship. The song begins with the narrator feeling submerged in emotional turmoil, where even simple acts like breathing become challenging. This metaphor sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the confusion stemming from a partner's secretive and deceptive behaviour. As the lyrics unfold, the narrator expresses a longing for honesty and decency, emphasizing the importance of truth in relationships. Despite holding on to the hope of connection, the realization dawns that their partner has already distanced themselves. The chorus captures the essence of vulnerability and the desire for a valid explanation as to why things have unravelled. Amidst the heartbreak, the narrator reflects on life's ironic twists, acknowledging that sometimes painful lessons are necessary for growth. The song encapsulates a mix of sadness and acceptance, with the narrator recognising the need to let go while still yearning for a sense of connection. "Give Me Reason" ultimately highlights the complexities of love, trust, and the search for understanding, leaving listeners with a bittersweet resonance that speaks to the heart of human experience.
#7 - PAINLESS
"Painless" is an introspective journey through the complexities of love and self-discovery. The song opens with a heartfelt dedication, capturing the essence of a relationship that has slowed down yet remains meaningful. The narrator expresses a sense of falling, both emotionally and metaphorically, as she struggles to catch her partner while navigating her own vulnerabilities. The lyrics invite the listener to embrace the uncertainty of love, acknowledging its wild and sometimes reckless nature. The refrain poses the poignant question: "Can it be painless?" - a reflection on the inherent risks and challenges of intimacy. The narrator grapples with her own fears, recognizing the need to prioritize her personal growth while still holding space for love. As the song progresses, there’s a clear call for honesty and independence, encouraging her partner not to wait for her while she works through her own feelings. With themes of self-empowerment and resilience, "Painless" ultimately conveys the message that while love can be tumultuous, it can also be a path to healing and self-acceptance. The song leaves listeners with a sense of hope, suggesting that true love can exist alongside the journey of finding oneself.
#8 – ALL BEHIND
"All Behind" is a poignant anthem of resilience and self-discovery, exploring the journey of leaving behind a familiar life in pursuit of something greater. The narrator reflects on the sacrifices made - placing all his bets on love and adventure, even when it seemed foolish to others. With a sense of nostalgia, he recalls the challenges faced after following his heart out west, emphasizing the emotional toll of lost connections and broken dreams. Navigating feelings of betrayal and confusion, the chorus serves as a powerful reminder to embrace change and fight for the life one truly desires. Encouraging a "little darling" to also leave the past behind, the song underscores the importance of healing and self-empowerment. With an uplifting message, "All Behind" emphasizes that while the path may be fraught with pain, it also holds the promise of rediscovery and renewal. The narrator's determination to gather himself and pursue a life filled with love and fulfillment resonates deeply, leaving listeners with a sense of hope and encouragement to embrace their own journeys of transformation.
#9 – WANTING MORE
"Wanting More" is a candid exploration of the aftermath of a relationship and the emotional complexities that follow. The song opens with the narrator acknowledging the scars left behind, reflecting on a journey marked by hurt and the decision to move forward. With a sense of finality, she expresses that she can’t return to the past, having taken her bow from a love that once consumed her. The lyrics convey a mix of defiance and vulnerability, highlighting the narrator's realization that both she and her partner have changed, yet the longing remains. As the chorus echoes the partner's desire for more, there’s an underlying tension between wanting to reconnect and recognizing the need for distance. The refrain poses poignant questions about unspoken feelings and the struggles of letting go.
Ultimately, "Wanting More" captures the bittersweet essence of love lost, revealing the complexities of moving on while still grappling with residual emotions. The song resonates with anyone who has faced the challenge of navigating the fine line between closure and desire, leaving listeners with a sense of introspection and hope for future connections.
#10 - DELIVER
"Deliver" is an electrifying exploration of passion and the complexities of emotional connection. The song opens with the narrator acknowledging her limitations, asserting that she can't be a cure for her partner's pain, but she can serve as a form of medicine - an enticing escape from their troubles. This duality sets the tone for a relationship steeped in desire and vulnerability. As the lyrics unfold, the narrator invites her partner to share their secrets, creating a sense of intimacy while maintaining an air of independence. The imagery of treading water captures the struggle to stay afloat amidst emotional turbulence, while the river serves as a metaphor for cleansing and renewal. The chorus implores her partner to “deliver” their love before it’s too late, emphasizing urgency and the need for connection.
With a rhythmic intensity, "Deliver" encapsulates the heat of attraction and the yearning for deeper intimacy. The playful yet passionate lyrics suggest a willingness to embrace wild moments and surrender to the chaos of love. Ultimately, the song celebrates the exhilarating highs and precarious depths of desire, inviting listeners to revel in the transformative power of connection before the opportunity slips away.
