I’m breaking what is usually a hard and fast rule about not featuring work that is more than a month old. In fact, Music by Lars’ ‘What have we done?’ was released back in May 2025, over a year ago.
But he (Lars Jørgensen) is here all the same and that is partly because I received today a communication from a perennial favourite of ours, Norway’s Terje Gravdal, about his album which has just been released. I realised immediately that Lars’ style is similar to that of Terje; he faces down the issues testing the world today in similarly uncompromising language that is worth hearing.
Lars’ target is unspecific. His angst is directed inter alia at war, climate issues, overconsumption and corporate greed, and points to the fact that ultimately we are the ones who will suffer the consequences.
There is something of a dichotomy in his approach in that he appears to throw in the towel and accept our fate on his behalf for much of the song but then equally (and mainly in the chorus as if to emphasise the polarity) suddenly finds hope amidst the chaos like a born again optimist.
“It might be too late/to right all the wrong
What if we really start now/Maybe we could save her somehow”
The text may seem simplistic, maybe even childish to some, but I reckon that is a deliberate choice on his part. Most adults can only articulate concerns over these overwhelming issues in basic language, with the exception of the talking heads on television who endlessly bavardage around these topics without ever reaching a meaningful conclusion.
Musically it is equally simple and to the point, the tune played out on acoustic guitar while (I assume) he harmonises with himself. Complexity simply isn’t required
That said, I like the little guitar embellishments that deflect positively from the main melody and add a rock feel to what is essentially a folk song, at one stage turning into a little musical bridge within a bridge.
(Continues after the Spotify link).
We don’t normally comment on business affairs but I have to mention that Lars’ website is one of the best I’ve seen.
And as he says, ‘No record label. No producer. No manager. Just me, my guitar and my heart.’
Find him on:
Website: https://musicbylars.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicByLars
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/music.by.lars/
