Salvatore Manalo is a skilled singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer currently based in Portland, Oregon. His music showcases a fusion of honest storytelling and intricate musical arrangements, resulting in a refreshing yet familiar blend of pop, soul, and R&B, always seemingly keeping that soulful component as his true north.
Salvatore’s newest song, “Honest”, is a deeply personal narrative about marriage and the life-changing preeminence that such a choice entails.
The theme of commitment is central to the song as Salvatore reflects on the significance of deciding to commit to someone at the start of a relationship. He notes that while there are many songs about how great a relationship can be, there is a lack of focus on the “internal monologue, doubt, and excitement” that comes with the decision to commit oneself to another person. By highlighting this aspect of falling in love, Salvatore brings attention to the complexity of relationships and the importance of acknowledging the emotions and thoughts that come with making such a significant decision.
“The song itself came about rather quickly, I had a voice memo of this chord progression and nonsensical lyrics that I ended up recording all in one day. I sent it to my good friend to track some piano parts and I love how it turned out. “ – Salvatore Manalo
In addition to commitment, the theme of love is also prominent in the song as well, of course, seeing as how it comes from Salvatore contemplating his 10-year wedding anniversary. By writing a song about this milestone, he certainly celebrates the beauty of love and the joy that comes with sharing one's life with another person who is loyal to you and your life’s purpose, something that personally resonated with me a lot now that I’ve begun such a journey myself.
Through “Honest”, Salvatore reminds us of the importance of cherishing our relationships and recognizing the beauty of love, even in its early stages when doubt and excitement may be present.
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