The new single
from Brisbane girl

Tara Simmons

,"I
Cannot Be Saved", is an interesting one. Part pure commercial
pop, but still earnest enough not to lose its 'folk-pop' tag, it
dances with melancholy lyrics and electro programming, but fails to
entirely convince its listeners.

The song has a strong
opening. Simmons has a way with words and the first part of this is
reminiscent of the end of a house party. The party is all but over
and there are just a few people, still drinking, having deep and
meaningful conversations about their lives, with an honesty and
desperation rarely found elsewhere. Whilst there is a pop element
present throughout the song, at one point it takes over and this is
where the single stumbles.

Admittedly there
will be fans of the upbeat crescendo; however it fails to convince
this reviewer and does not seem to add much to the song, apart from a
potential dance break. The song dances between happy and sad,
contrasting emotional lyrics with upbeat tunes but does not entirely
accomplish its mission and is it at times confusing.

The single is
backed up by a remix, as well as two remixes of another Simmons song,
"All You Can". The remixes are the perfect soundtrack for
the house party in full swing. A bit bohemian and a bit groovy, these
songs further showcase Simmons' ability. But with the remixes the
dynamics of the relationship between music and lyrics is changed and
so the disjointedness is abolished.

"I Cannot Be
Saved" is sure to be a popular track, and shows the talent
Simmons has. Her poignant lyrics are certainly something that will
get her far and this track could easily be compared to a more
commercial version of celebrated singer Sia. It is clear that Tara
Simmons will go far, and that her best is yet to come.

Review score:
6/10