GOSHEN, Ind. — Opening with a driving guitar line, Southern Avenue brings the listeners attention to center stage. Their song “Upside” lays down a groovy Americana track with a touch of gospel blues.
The first lyric is “Don’t you carry all them troubles around.” The song is telling us to let go of the things that are out of our control. The lyrics go on to say that it’s good to feel your emotions, that is just what humans do — but don’t give power to the things that aren’t helping you grow. “Don’t waste your time / Don’t nothing stay the same.”
After the second chorus, the song has a transition back to the pre-chorus that repeats “On, on, on the upside.” The descending melody and harmonies not only scratch an itch but also provides the perfect change of pace before bringing all the instruments back in and the tempo back up.
“Upside” is the third single from Southern Avenue’s 2025 album “Family.” The lyrics video for the song shows behind the scenes of the band, truly living on the upside. Tierinii Jackson, the lead vocalist, told Blues Rock Review, “It’s an anthem for moving forward, embracing change, and finding something to be grateful for — because life is too good to stay stuck.”
With incredible vocals and a captivating instrumental, “Upside” by Southern Avenue is a fantastic reminder to not let the problems of today ruin your tomorrow. “Every day’s a new day / find me on the upside.”
Southern Avenue will be in Chicago on July 10. More information can be found at southernavenuemusic.com.
– Mackenzie, Music Director
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