Ferdinand Rennie returns with “THIS IS NOW.” In his third appearance, he feels less like a guest artist and more like a trusted voice that belongs in the room. He is a singer with a rich history: born in Austria, shaped by British music, and seasoned by television, stage work, charity events, and over thirty years of recordings. He has crossed borders, genres, and generations, and his life experiences are evident in his singing.
“THIS IS NOW,” written by Michael Andrew Storm and Meg McAndrew, is an emotional ballad from the American musical Loving. Its heart lies in grief, loss, and the difficult task of learning how to move forward when life changes forever. That theme can easily become heavy in the wrong hands, but Rennie does the opposite. He makes the song feel human, immediate, and deeply felt. He does not force the emotion. He allows it to rise naturally, like a memory resurfacing in quiet moments.
Before the words are sung, the song already has something important to say. The piano opens the song with a delicate touch, allowing emotion to settle into the room before Ferdinand Rennie enters. His vocal performance is the centerpiece of the recording. He sings with control, never sounding cold. His voice has a warm maturity, which is important here. This song does not need youthful polish; it needs experience. It requires someone who understands sorrow without turning it into a performance. Rennie gives the song strength and vulnerability. He knows when to lean into a phrase and when to hold back. This balance performs its power. He sounds like he is speaking from within the song rather than standing outside, admiring it.
What stands out most is his delivery. Rennie sings with a rare emotional patience. He does not rush to the climax. He builds the song carefully, line by line, allowing the feeling to grow in you before it fully opens up. When he reaches the bigger moments, they feel earned. This is what makes the ballad impactful. The emotion is not extra; it is already part of the song, waiting to be revealed.
The production supports him well. It is polished and rich, but it does not overshadow the vocals. The arrangement gives the song space to breathe, which is crucial for a piece about grief and healing. The instrumentation acts like a soft frame around the voice instead of a wall in front of it. It lets the song expand into something larger, more cinematic, and more emotional. The musical build provides a sense of forward momentum, as if pain were gradually transforming into acceptance. That is significant. It is exactly what this song needs.
Overall, “THIS IS NOW” is more than just another recording in a long career. It feels like a statement of maturity. Rennie brings elegance, depth, and real emotion to material that demands all three. He sings this song like a man who has lived, lost, and learned to carry truth through music. That is why it resonates. That is why it stays with you.
Listen to “THIS IS NOW” on Spotify.
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