From time to time, we love to review under-the-radar artists we cross paths with who we think deserve more attention
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What a cool concept.
Michael Tiernan has been a successful musician by working on a lot of fronts - local gigs, touring, high-end corporate events and weddings, and writing custom songs for fans for their loved ones.
This album is the best of those on-demand songs.
As a result, these songs feel a little different than your usual aspirational pop.
For Others sounds like an album made by someone who has stopped trying to impress a generic mass audience - and prioritizes a specific individual connection. Michael Tiernan's latest record offers a collection of songs that feel quietly intentional rather than carefully marketed. Still, these specific tunes don't exclude the outside listener.
As the creative saying goes, the specific can be universal.
I've seen Tiernan perform live as a solo act.
I've got to say, his super-power is that he loops guitars and vocals while playing by himself and sounds like a 5-piece band.
It's a marvel to see.
But something that will never convey on a record.
Anyway, back to the album.
From the opening track, Tiernan establishes the album's central mood: reflective without being dour, generous without slipping into sentimentality. The songs feel outward-facing.
And fun.
A lot of singer-songwriters with a guitar can seem too reflective or whiny; Tiernan goes the other direction - he’s fun.
Musically, nothing rushes to the front of the mix demanding attention. Tiernan understands that space can be just as expressive as sound, and he uses it well. The production supports the songs rather than decorating them, which makes the record feel cohesive and timeless rather than pinned to a specific moment. "Keep On Love" and "The Perfect Path" are perfect examples.
Tiernan's voice is a key strength. It's unforced and conversational, carrying a sense of calm authority that comes from knowing exactly what you want to say. Listen to "Mary Jane" to hear the magic tricks his voice can do.
When a line lands, it lands because it's true, not because it's loud.
He somehow blends "quiet" and "commanding" at the same time.
One of the album's biggest achievements is consistency. There are no obvious "skip" tracks, but also no desperate grabs for a breakout single. That may frustrate listeners looking for instant hooks, but it rewards those willing to sit with the record as a whole. For Others feels designed to be listened to front-to-back, situations where music becomes a companion rather than a distraction.
Yes, the album's subtlety demands patience.
Listeners who expect dramatic shifts or high-concept experimentation may miss the point. In the end, Michael Tiernan has made a record that feels mature without being dull, thoughtful without being heavy. For Others doesn't shout its value-it trusts you to hear it. And if you do, it quietly sticks with you, long after the last note fades.
