It’s been a long road for veteran Sarah Blasko, 47, who first caught our attention with her debut album The Overture & the Underscore in 2004. And since then, she has forged a unique presence in our musical landscape, often unmatched by her sophisticated pop contemporaries. As a big fan of Blasko, I’ve always been impressed by her commitment to her craft and we are reminded of it with every new offering that she puts forward. Later in November this year, she will release her seventh studio album, I Just Need To Conquer This Mountain – her first solo project in six years.
The album has been described as “a record full of late night reflections on goodbyes, grief, new beginnings and an important friendship that underpinned (Blasko’s) childhood.” Of course, we will have to wait and see what comes from it. But for now I’m happy to let Blasko’s transcendent voice speak to me on Bothering Me, the searing second new single from her forthcoming album.
I think most of us were glad Blasko didn’t quit music many years ago (after a long struggle with depression). Over and over again, she has shown a resilience to press forward. Speaking recently about the new song, the Australian singer songwriter said, “Getting older is tough. Sometimes I don’t know who I am anymore and that I’ve lost touch with the person I used to be and the dreams I held. I try to let go but not let go at the same time because dreams are important.”
Often Blasko’s songs are left open for others to interpret. If anything they are always relatable. It’s fair to say Bothering Me is another wonderful example of Blasko’s genius as a lyricist, a song about personal anguish. She gets straight to the point by letting us know, “My life’s not aligned with my dreams/ I’m not who I thought I would be/ And it’s bothering me.” It’s a thoughtful observation which leads Blasko to howl deeper in despair – “Is this the fate I deserve?”
In short, Bothering Me fits in perfectly with what we’ve come to expect from Blasko, who has refined the feeling of worry and melancholia with ease over the years through her songs. Sometimes of course her intensely inquisitive mind gets the better of her. It’s easy to hear. But with painful goodbyes comes healing and with healing comes acceptance. That’s what I hope she’s trying to tell us on Bothering Me.
Rearview Mirror 
The tempo is pretty upbeat but then comes the howl. It’s like a struggle, she’s trying. thank you for telling me about her.
I interviewed Sarah back in 2018 about her album ‘Depth of Field’. It’s arguably my favourite Blasko album. It’s well worth checking out. Listen to the song ‘A Shot’ first, then circle back and listen to the album as a whole.
While the name doesn’t ring a bell, Sarah’s distinct voice sounds vaguely familiar. That said, it’s entirely possible I’m confusing her with another artist. In any case, good song!
So haunting and beautiful!