Paige Calico‘s “The Hard Way” is pristinely loopy Americana, a gorgeous arrangement warped just a touch by a layer of sand and dirt. Calico sings dreamily over lolling guitar and choral backdrop, a touch of chamber pop influencing the song’s hazy make. Given that it’s a song about the strength and enigmatic nature of love, its semi-lucid atmosphere fits it like a glove.
“I think we all enjoy love the hard way subconsciously,” says Calico. “A love that always keeps us questioning or is unfulfilled can be the most romantic and passionate, we have a thirst for it as humans. It comes down to the point of understanding that about ourselves and owning it.”
Crying Diamonds is out September 23.