5 Songs I Love w/ Gary Hubber
- Alice Smith
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
Following the release of his latest single 'Running From The Light', Flex caught up with Australian songwriter Gary Hubber to find out more about what influences his pop-rock sound. If you enjoy Gary's picks, be sure to check out 'Running From The Light' at the end of the article.
A Day In The Life – The Beatles
Easily my favourite song of all time. So much to marvel at. The structure and form of the song are wonderful. John’s incredible vocals send shivers down my spine from the first line. His ability to take real life events from a newspaper and create lyrics and a story that is pure poetry is astounding. The recording techniques are ingenious given when it was made and the “I’d Love to Turn You On” hook and crescendos are inspiring, even today. Not to mention Paul’s bridge piece and Ringo’s drum line in the final verse. I feel I learn more with every listen.
Message to my Girl – Split Enz (Neil Finn)
This is the song I most wish I had written. A beautiful melody with such subtle and intelligent lyrics. I love that the Yarra River in Melbourne opens the film clip and I think it says a lot about how good the song is that the band simply take a back seat and let Neil journey through the song story on camera. Simple piano that adds so much weight and the alternative closing line with Tim’s amazing harmony line that bring the song to a beautiful ending.
S.O.B – Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats
How much joy and fun can you pack into one song. This much! From Nathaniel’s powerful vocals to the wonderfully tight harmonies, the light and shade of the verses and chorus, the driving rhythm and the wonderful musicianship that puts a stamp on the whole thing. Then, set your film clip in a prison, where the band members look at home, and you’ve got yourself some gold.
Linger – The Cranberries
The opening draws you in, and then I’m drawn to the melody and the simple yet deeply meaningful lyrics. Dolores’ vocals are exquisite, but I think the way her haunting backing aarhs are used behind the chorus are just beautiful. I also really like the strings – subtle but so impactful. Great songwriting recorded exceptionally well.
You Saw Me Coming – Tom Petty
My favourite artist – in fact, I could have easily put 5 Tom Petty songs on this list. Released posthumously after we so sadly lost him too soon, this is a fantastic example of the kind of magic this man was making for so long. There is so much meaning in each of the little stories in each verse. Each one paints a picture of a situation with so few words. This is the kind of songwriting I aspire to. It creates a mood and leaves the listener room for their own interpretation.
Listen to Gary Hubber 'Running From The Light'
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