New York-based singer-songwriter Brian Michael Henry has struck the balance between neon nostalgia and deeply personal songwriting on “I Don’t Really Love You When You Cry.” His deep baritone explodes over waltz-style pianos and surf-rock-tinged guitars to create a heartbreaking anthem with harsh realities. The confessional songwriting beautifully accents the vibrant colors of the arrangement. There is a touch of The Cure that combines with a Nick Cave influence, although this is wholeheartedly a unique ballad by Henry. The artist pens from a refreshing perspective, allowing his vulnerability to guide the track rather than his sonic influences. Henry created a stirring ballad with dark sentiments on “I Don’t Really Love You When You Cry.” The potent emotions of the vocal’s performance shine amongst the juxtaposing tones of the arrangement for a statement piece of a single.
“I wanted to write a song about conditional love,” explains Henry. “I think I was watching an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Larry David made a face when the woman he was dating cried, and I thought that would be a great song.”
