NEW YORK – Grammy Award-winning duo Dan + Shay are set to release their new album “Young,” and their lead single “Say So” marks a significant change in their musical direction. Known for their romantic wedding songs, the duo is now tackling a much more serious topic: suicide prevention.
___ EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org ___
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“Say So” features a hopeful chorus and is dedicated to the duo’s late mentor, Ben Vaughn, who tragically passed away by suicide. The song encourages listeners to reach out for help, emphasizing the message, “If you’re going through hell, you’re not alone. If you need somebody, say so.”
Dan Smyers shared his initial reservations about addressing such a heavy topic, stating, “For one of the first times in our career, I was like, ‘I’m not sure if we should tackle this.’” However, during the songwriting process, the emotional weight felt unavoidable as they shared stories about Vaughn.
The creation of the song became therapeutic for them, as they felt a responsibility to honor Vaughn and the impact he had on their lives. Remarkably, they began writing “Say So” on what would have been Vaughn’s 50th birthday, which they viewed as a sign that the song could potentially help someone in need.
“Say So” stands out as the emotional core of their new album, “Young,” which comprises ten autobiographical tracks that reflect their lives with newfound vulnerability. This album represents a shift toward more personal themes, with Mooney describing it as “a very life-giving thing.”
The opening track, also titled “Young,” features a simple acoustic melody and conveys a heartfelt message about appreciating the present moment and the passage of time. Smyers notes that the song addresses the challenge men often face in expressing their emotions, a struggle he personally relates to.
The duo took their time crafting the album, even scrapping an entire album’s worth of material before settling on the final ten tracks. This process allowed for deeper conversations and self-reflection, resulting in a project that resonates with authenticity and vulnerability.
“Her, The Kids and Jesus,” another song from the album, captures Mooney’s current life experience, showcasing the more spiritual themes woven throughout the album.
Themes of grief and love are prevalent across “Young,” from a tribute to a first pet in “Dogs in Our Twenties” to the touching and humorous “The Old Guys,” which features fellow country artist Cody Johnson. This collaboration highlights the diverse range of their music, as they blend different styles while maintaining their signature sound.
Smyers acknowledges their unique position in the country music landscape, where they bring a fresh perspective to the genre. Mooney adds, “There’s kind of a song for everybody, for whatever you’re going through,” expressing hope that the album will provide comfort and support to listeners.
