Track Review: I Heard Somebody Talking // Karen Harding

In my review of Karen Harding‘s ‘I Didn’t Realise’, I mentioned her ability to merge old-school folk, soul and contemporary pop. Once again, she amazes me with how she fuses genres creating something unique. Beginning her musical journey at a young age, Karen began playing the piano at 6 and training as a singer at age 12. Yet, it was only at the age of 21 that she performed in Melbourne as part of a cover duo. It was these experiences that act as a foundation for her current solo project. Featured on The Other Side Reviews, Less Than 1000 Followers, Yellow & Black Music, The Indie Scene, beat and About The Noise, Karen is amazing listeners on a global scale. The latest addition to her discography is ‘I Heard Somebody Talking’.

Following her debut single ‘I Didn’t Realise’, Karen Harding releases the sophomore single ‘I Heard Somebody Talking’. Retaining her acoustic-inspired approach, we see (or rather hear) Karen show the beauty of simplicity. Reputed for her piano-playing skills, ‘I Heard Somebody Talking’ incorporates mellow piano with basic drums – proof that no bells or whistles are required for a harmonic melody.

Inspired by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, ‘I Heard Somebody Talking’ explores the individual perspectives of people living in the pandemic. Based primarily on the behaviour of a man at an anti-mask rally, Karen speculates on how people are coping in this uncertain time. Karen shares that she was “…watching the news about an anti-mask rally when a man ran across the screen. I immediately sat down at my piano and wrote a song about what I would have liked to say to this man…how he would feel if his decisions led to his family becoming unwell.”

While the track follows the behaviour and cognition of a third party, Karen displays her vulnerability and fragility as well. She questions people’s behaviour, their mindset, how things could change and her opinions on how to react. With the passion of Tracy Chapman, the insight of Leonard Cohen and the power of Bonnie Rait, Karen Harding takes us on a sentimental journey in ‘I Heard Somebody Talking’.