Some artists sing songs and others live them. Frankie Muriel belongs to that rare second category. Hailing from St. Louis, Frankie Muriel first lit up the music world in his twenties, when “If I Say” became his debut Billboard-charting single, spun in heavy rotation on MTV, and carried him from sweaty, packed clubs to roaring arenas. Now, decades later, with the forthcoming release of “I’m Still Standing,” he returns to the very song that launched his career. This time, it’s not just a performance but a conversation between his younger self and the man he has become.
Revisiting “If I Say” in his late fifties, Muriel doesn’t polish the track with a modern coat of production; he deepens it, inhabits it with the wisdom, scars, and tenderness that only years of love, loss, resilience, and reinvention can bring. The lyrics, simple yet aching in their sincerity, feel more deep now: “And if I say to you tomorrow, don’t you know it’s not too long, babe… and if I see you crying, you know our love’s so strong.” What once might have been a plea from a young man in the throes of romance now rings as a promise from someone who understands how fragile and precious connection truly is.
Vocally, Muriel’s delivery is a revelation. His voice still carries the strength and clarity that made him a star, but there’s a rich patina now; a touch of weathered warmth that gives each line a lived-in truth. When he leans into the refrain, “I said I think I need you,” it’s not just a hook; it’s a confession that feels pulled from deep within the chest. He doesn’t rush a single phrase, instead lets the spaces between the words breathe like heartbeats.
The production and instrumentation honor the spirit of the original while elevating it with a modern, soulful polish. A gentle but insistent rhythm section lays the foundation, steady like a pulse. Acoustic and electric guitar lines weave through the verses with a warm, melodic glow, never overpowering but always present, like an old friend. There’s a subtle shimmer in the keys, adding nostalgia and brightness, and the mix keeps Muriel’s vocals firmly at the center, exactly where they belong.
“If I Say” in 2025 is not a retread; it’s a reinvention. It’s the sound of an artist unafraid to revisit his past, to reclaim it with the emotional depth only time can provide. Frankie Muriel has given us a gift here: proof that a song, like love itself, can grow stronger with age.
Listen to “If I Say” on Spotify
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