review - unfixable - by Hinsley
24 AUG 2020
Truly great pop songs strike a balance between the familiar and the brand new, and that’s a key way they pull you in; it’s a thrilling new ride with an old friend. I’m happy to report that this is the case with Unfixable, the stunning debut single from Canadian Radio Music Award winning, Juno-nominated Canadian Musician Hinsley, who you’ll remember from multi-platinum pop punk outfit Faber Drive.
We open with some simple piano chords and a synthy vocal sprinkle. Major One Republic vibes at the head of the track with an epic and sweeping soundscape, but the intimacy that is ever present in Hinsley’s extraordinary vocal delivery makes this tracker a bit more interesting than the typical Tedder offering.
You say I’m unfixable
Fucking up way too much
I’m unpredictable
You say I’m combustible
Like a drug burning up
I’m undependable
The verse is heartbreaking. We hear the pleas of a man who is his own worst enemy, urging someone not to love him because he is Unfixable. Hinsley pulls off a truly convincing vocal performance here, which is key. Authenticity doesn’t always run wild in pop music; this is a visceral exception.
The pre-chorus ramps up the energy a bit and when we hit to the chorus, the whole thing gels into a wildly catchy pop fest, while losing none of its emotional intensity. There is no upswing. Despite razor sharp pop instincts, Hinsley doesn’t sugarcoat the situation. That may bum some folks out, but for me it’s an accurate slice of life; not every song or feeling has a light at the end of the tunnel. Or at least not yet. Hinsley should be praised for his authenticity.
I’ve been listening this tune for a few weeks. Writing deadlines have kept me from devoting the proper time actually sit down to write until now, but over the last few weeks I find myself singing it frequently. Kudos on making a meaningful, intense and catchy AF pop song.
With Unfixable, Hinsley has forged his own path away from the pop punk aspects of Faber Drive and carved a truly legitimate niche with a true-to life story of a broken man at the end of his rope. Look for big things from this guy.
Watch a fan-made LYRIC VIDEO BELOW