Released on September 13, Ben Howard’s How Are You Feeling? is a poignant indie folk track that perfectly encapsulates the artist’s signature ability to blend introspection with rich, emotive melodies. Known for his soulful lyricism and atmospheric compositions, Howard once again draws listeners into a deeply reflective world, where melancholic overtones meet moments of quiet beauty.
The track opens with a simple yet haunting acoustic guitar riff, setting the tone for a song steeped in contemplation. Layers of subtle instrumentation—soft piano chords, delicate strings, and atmospheric textures—gradually build, creating an intimate soundscape that feels both expansive and personal. Howard’s vocal delivery is raw and heartfelt, carrying a sense of vulnerability that mirrors the track’s introspective nature.
Lyrically, How Are You Feeling? explores themes of self-examination, emotional fatigue, and the weight of human connection. Lines like “The days feel heavy, the nights don’t bring relief / A question hangs in the quiet: how are you feeling?” resonate with a universal sense of longing and the struggle to articulate one’s emotions. Howard’s ability to balance specificity with universality makes the track both deeply personal and widely relatable.
As the song progresses, its melancholic undertones are underscored by subtle shifts in dynamics. The instrumentation swells and recedes like waves, reflecting the ebb and flow of the emotions Howard conveys. This intricate arrangement ensures the track never feels static, instead carrying the listener through a journey of introspection and quiet catharsis.
How Are You Feeling? stands out not just for its melancholic beauty but for its profound sense of honesty. Howard’s willingness to sit with discomfort and transform it into something so resonant speaks to his maturity as an artist. The track feels like an invitation to pause, reflect, and confront the often-unasked question posed in its title.
In How Are You Feeling?, Ben Howard delivers a masterful piece of indie folk that lingers long after the final note. With its melancholic tones, reflective lyrics, and stirring melodies, the song is a testament to Howard’s enduring ability to create music that speaks to the heart and soul.
