“Giving Up” sets the bar high for Whitney’s forthcoming album

Just as they promised, Whitney released a single last week from their upcoming album Forever Turned Around. The song, called “Giving Up”, will be track number one on their sophomore LP, which is set to be released on August 30 via Secretly Canadian. Based solely on the new song, it’s looking like those three years since 2016’s Light Upon the Lake were well spent by songwriting duo Max Kakacek and Julien Ehrlich.

In true Whitney fashion, “Giving Up” tells a complex story. Julien Ehrlich weaves his forlorn vocals into a sunshiny melody, making us question whether we should be bobbing our heads and tapping our toes or reflecting on failed relationships and past heartache. Why not both? Their debut album was chock full of lyrics saying one thing and melodies saying another.

“Giving Up” begins with a jazzy piano melody. Ehrlich’s high-pitched vocals take over and swell to the chorus, where every instrument crescendos temporarily. One minute and 45 seconds into the track, there’s a brief silence that makes you think the song has ended, but don’t be fooled — there’s still over a minute left. It jumps back in with a horn arrangement that’s highly reminiscent of the trumpet-heavy Light Upon the Lake, followed by a quick electric guitar solo. Eventually, Ehrlich’s voice comes in for a few more “giving up”‘s, and the tune concludes with the intro’s jazzy piano.

Clearly, Whitney’s still got it, and “Giving Up” has set the bar high for the rest of Forever Turned Around. The band will play Union Transfer on September 27th. Find ticket info here and check out their new single below.