Daily Non-K-pop Spotlight: “Free Like A Bird” by Men And Them

If you’re a fan of exposed, stacked harmonies, you’ll find a lot to love on “Free Like A Bird.” Men And Them present a straightforward soft rock singer/songwriter arrangement that pulls equally from the American folk mainstream of the 60s and 70s and early 00s Coldplay. The whole thing feels distinctly rustic, with acoustic guitars that cycle through tried and true chords as the size and scope of the arrangement fluctuates around it – including those expansive harmonies. 

The harmonic progression and the inclusion of subtle, airy major seventh chords give the song a tinge of melancholy and mystery in key moments. That bittersweet sonic choice – as well as the inclusion of a lead piano part halfway through – is what will please Coldplay fans most. 

Men And Them aren’t huge by any means, and in all honesty this song likely won’t propel them to superstardom. Still, it’s a functional song that knows what it is and does it well. This song feels like comfort music, and presents a tried and true songwriting format more than successfully. 

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