Bill Greenberg dreams of a day that will never come on his world-weary new indie-folk lament When I’m Stronger — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The followup to his acclaimed recent comeback single Ukraine, the recently reactivated singer-songwriter’s latest release features the same stripped-down style and emotional edge, but delves even deeper into ennui. “When I’m Stronger is a wish and a prayer,” he explains. “You may have a vision of breaking out — but it’s a hopeless dream.”
This idea may seem dark and depressing, but in the stories he tells and the music he writes, there’s an obvious vein of respect and appreciation for the human condition. Like countless artists before him, Greenberg’s examination of hopelessness can paradoxically lead to a sense of purpose — and maybe even redemption. It will be fascinating to see where Greenberg goes from the dark dream of When I’m Stronger, but here’s hoping it’s not away for another 25 years.
That’s how long it took for the singer-songwriter to deliver new music after the release of 1998’s Basic Tracks, the first and only album of his criminally overlooked group Bill’s Band. Inspired by the Russia/Ukraine conflict, Greenberg’s poignant first single in over two decades, the aptly titled Ukraine, got his creative juices flowing again.
Released shortly after the war began in early 2022, Ukraine created a strong buzz for Greenberg, with many critics calling it an anthem. With a strong political and philosophical sensibility, Greenberg’s storytelling chops are on full display in this moder-day protest song. Depicting a protagonist whose recent hard times have made him introspective and jaded, Ukraine is relatable not only to those suffering in the conflict but anyone who’s suffered alone.
While Bill’s Band had a sort of an indie-rock and folk fusion sound reminiscent of The Replacements, Greenberg’s talent, composition aptitude and storytelling brilliance meant he could make a impact in almost any genre he pleases. It’s obvious in the progression of Basic Tracks in songs like To Believe and Swear to God that Greenberg’s heart and soul were in post punk-style folk like Tom Waits and Neil Young. It should be no surprise that this bare-bones style the direction he’s taking with his latest releases.
Listen to When I’m Stronger above and check out Basic Tracks from Bill’s Band below.
