In a world filled with trials and tribulations, it can be hard to keep going on and pushing through the struggles. Throughout this, however, Marshall Potts has found light in the darkness and used it to spread hope to his listeners. Each of the 10 tracks bring forth different styles of Americana and Rock and powerful lyrics to inspire anyone willing to listen to keep going in the trying times.
The opening track, “Free and Easy”, presents the theme of hope instantly, speaking on pursuing your dreams and disregarding the struggles. Marshall Potts highlights how the path to the future may bring hardships and doubt from those around you, but regardless of such problems one must keep going because “maybe tomorrow will be alright”. The track breathes faith into the audience, making sure to remind people that “it’s gonna be alright” and to keep pursuing what you love.
In a similar tone, the title track “The Storm” speaks on the topics of embracing change and past hurdles in order to prosper now and in the future. Throughout the song, Marshall Potts uses the storm as a metaphor for all the obstacles life throws at you that try to bring you down. Nevertheless, the message makes it clear that everything happens for a reason, and that having hope in the future is essential to moving forward from the struggles and advancing in your life. In a sense, the issues we face are portrayed as what make us who we are, and we should embrace these tests as fuel for continuing on our path.
The third track, titled “Change”, expands on the concept of change but aimed towards the future. In an inspirational manner, the song focuses on the importance of change in order to progress in the future in a positive trajectory. The lyrics explain how “we have to change for a better world”, emphasizing how, as a collective whole, we must embrace progressiveness and move forward in order to reach a brighter future for all.
Deeper in the album, Marshall Potts opens up on personal struggles and uses them to inspire others who may have gone through similar issues to keep going as he is pushing through. In the fifth track, “Heaven or Home”, the lyrics focus on all the experiences, both good and bad, that Marshall Potts has gone through, highlighting the positives in his reflection. He then uses this alongside upbeat Americana instruments to tell listeners to accept the past and look for the future heaven, even if uncertainty lingers when moving forward. In a similar upbeat style, the track “rope” expands on deep issues that have turned into inspiration. Marshall Potts opens up about personal struggles with mental health, using a rope as a metaphor, and shows how his lowest moments have taught him to keep going and have faith in the future. The message claims that, although life is not easy and we may want to give up, hope will always overcome fear and we must never give up and keep pushing forward.
The Storm also touches on the subject of love briefly, with Marshall Potts sharing his romantic side with the audience. The track titled “Never Gets Old” presents itself as an ode to a lover, using tranquil instrumentals to entrance listeners and showcase passion for a loved one. Throughout the track, lyrics like “you made my world a little brighter” and “like when I say I love you, It never gets old” to proclaim his heartfelt love to his partner. Marshall Potts talks about all the little details in the relationship that he’s incredibly fond of, claiming that every part of the love he has “never gets old” and creating a beautiful song for his lover.
Throughout the album, The Storm, the message of hope, faith, and love is present and strong. Marshall Potts uses his experiences to eloquently write about the struggles he’s faced, the emotions he’s felt, and the lessons he’s learned all throughout his life. Each track is made in a way that focuses on inspiring the audience to enjoy all that there is to life, every positive and every negative, and continue forward in life, taking each step as a lesson in a path that leads upwards to success.
Written by Samuel Mujica
