The inspiring story of how they came to be, serendipitously meeting over the internet and soon enough discovering their shared passion for acoustic-laden music and songwriting, Unintended Strangers is the case of ‘if it was meant to be, it’ll be!’ Their fortuitous encounter has allowed them to create music, defying and transcending the international boundaries that separate them—Robert Griffin is in the US and Chloe Danz is in New Zealand, and yet they have found a way to make great music…a huge testament to the power of shared connections, shatterproof will, and commitment from each side to make this happen.
“Good Intentions,” their debut album and an 8-track collection, is so much more than the good music surrendered here—this is a labor of love and passion, an album showcasing the relentless commitment and drive from both Robert and Chloe and a love letter to their growing fans who have responded to it with tremendous love, and why not? I mean, this is some of the most powerful, moving, and captivatingly melancholic music I have listened to in a while!
Throughout, I just love how melancholic most of the music is. It envelops a listener in this healing embrace and provides such solace and therapy that you cannot find anywhere else. The music is deeply personal yet universally relatable, infused with a sense of warmth, wisdom, and sincerity.
Now, let’s delve into this deeply intimate and relatable album, shall we? The opener, “Nothing Is Forever” is a rich, emotional, and deep masterpiece that underscores the barely spoken truth and harsh reality that indeed nothing lasts forever, no matter how bad we want it to. The sweet, charming acoustic guitar tones set a mellifluent tone for the song, providing an attractive runway for the sweet-sounding lead female vocals that have been backed by the subtly touching male vocal harmonies…the delivery is such a thing of beauty. The song is melancholic, and that is where its gist resides because then it touches a listener deeply and makes a profound connection with them. The fiddle underscores the song’s emotional depth, and in brilliant defiance of the song’s inspiration, you just want it to last forever in your heart and soul.
The sweet soulful guitar strums lay a gently moving foundation for the song “Lifetime Ago” which is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that feels like an aching dream, where nostalgia and heartache blur the lines between memory and longing. From the first notes, the song casts a spell, drawing you into its shadowy, ethereal world where every word and sound from Unintended Strangers feels drenched in sorrow and maybe regret. The delicate guitar strums, subtle bass, and how Unintended Strangers envelop a listener with their vocal unison feel like a soft whisper through a dark, empty room as the song touches you in ways you’d never ever imagine. What a song!
“Beautiful Disaster” is another tour de force that comes as an epiphany. It is mesmerizing—so delicate yet powerful. The song is a haunting journey through the depths of despair, with both artists’ voices entwining like a bittersweet conversation between two souls trying to find their way through darkness. The gentle piano notes immediately set a melancholic yet captivating tone as the lead female vocals enter with a fragile beauty that pulls you into her emotional landscape—the backing vocals uplifting the song’s emotional essence further. The acoustic guitar adds rhythm, and the lush strings wrap the listener in an almost cinematic atmosphere, making it a visceral experience.
“Forget” feels like a record off of Dolly Parton’s repertoire—richly divine and refreshingly tasty with an inviting, humid, and emotional feel. The female lead vocals are just so tender, soulful, and surreal, with the backing harmonies underscoring the track’s emotional weight. This is a song worth playing over and over again with the alluring acoustic melodies imprinting themselves on a listener’s body, mind, and soul.
“All I Do” starts off with the immensely expressive lead and backing vocals over the subtly swelling foundation, creating a cinematic feel before the thoughtfully stringed guitar backed by the theatrical drums augment the track’s dramatic flair. All the while, the rich and harmonious vocals float commandingly over this picturesque piece.
“U in Us” features an Ukulele foundation and is fast-paced right from the opening notes, making for a track that you can tap dance to or just move your whole body to with joyful abandon. It is a feel-good tune to climax the album and remind you of the beauty of love and the intimate freedom of belonging to one another.
What the whole of “Good Intentions” highlights is simply that both Robert and Chloe were meant to be…this is an Unintended Strangers masterclass in artistic creativity, sonic evolution, and impassioned musicianship.
Savor the album below and feel it for yourself!
