If you would describe yourself as the type to often get stuck in a TikTok death-scroll, then perhaps you need no introduction to Stephen Sanchez. In the last year alone, the up-and-coming singer has experienced a rapid ascent into the spotlight, thanks in part to the romantic nostalgia of his voice and lyrics. His debut single, “Lady By The Sea,” gives us a look at Sanchez’s penchant for writing about the kind of love found on the silver screen. The two EPs that followed, “What Was, Not Now,” and “Easy On My Eyes” are equally warm and inviting, with his voice giving you even more reason to swoon.
Perhaps Sanchez’s biggest feat, however, is his hit single “Until I Found You,” which has racked up over 700 million streams on Spotify and has gone Triple Platinum just this past August. Inspired by his interest in 1950s records and vinyls during his childhood, the song oozes with nostalgia and the romance of another era, with his Roy Orbison-like vocals and a music video with retro imagery to match.
Since that single’s release, Sanchez has had many an opportunity to make audiences elsewhere swoon just like his listeners, whether that is on late night talk shows hosted by the likes of Stephen Colbert and Seth Meyers, or even as a surprise guest on Elton John’s headline set at Glastonbury. With such a rapid rise in popularity, Sanchez’s debut LP “Angel Face” was expected to live up to his previous works, and from the looks of it, Sanchez had no issue taking on that challenge.
“Angel Face” is a rather unique take on how to construct an album, with Sanchez creating an entire story through the album’s music from the perspective of a character that is not himself. In fact, Sanchez himself has discussed how he enjoys writing from a perspective other than his own, rather than reliving a moment from his past. The story follows the fictional character known as The Troubadour Sanchez, whose love for another woman—who is already dating a mob boss—results in his untimely demise.
The story and its arcs play out in songs such as the opening track, “Something About Her,” which demonstrates Sanchez’s spacious range and serene falsetto, with the song acting as a catalyst for the beginning of the love story’s plot. Other songs worth singling out for praise include “Evangeline” and “No One Knows,” featuring jazz-pop artist Laufey. The former piece is what sets the love story in motion, with the titular love interest being showered with affectionate words by The Troubadour Sanchez, while acknowledging that her approval will come with time. The latter song is more of a personal favorite, as its lyricism and overall production strike a different tone compared to the rest of the record. A slightly tempered-down ballad, “No One Knows” dives into the more heart-wrenching aspects of love, where one’s love is long-lasting but rocked by many moments of resentment and sadness along the way.
“Angel Face” is a compelling concept album that manages to avoid the pastiche trap that befalls similar works, while still remaining enjoyable to listen to. Admittedly, the few personal standout tracks leave something to be desired from the rest, but the album’s production as a whole is ethereal and heartwarming; it gives listeners a taste of times we never got to see ourselves and the classic style of love that we never got to experience. For those who wish to experience a bit more romantic escapism, consider giving “Angel Face” a listen, or perhaps visiting Sanchez at his upcoming tour stop in Cleveland at House of Blues on Oct. 15.
