When Clarity Hurts: Inside Mark Anthony Bartolo’s New Single "Blinded by the Sun"

Sometimes all we need is the basic stuffs in life, not over complicating things, cos sometimes the truth actually lies in the very basic things we ignore and that what Mark Anthony Bartolo’s new single “Blinded By The Sun” feels like. It lets you breath and feel better after a quiet talk, even if it made you think a little too much first. It is calm, it doesn’t do too much screaming, it just takes you into this atmosphere of contemplating and then releases you off all stress with simple truths.

Mark Anthony Bartolo here is a singer-songwriter from Malta who knows how to keep things real. He writes like someone who has lived a bit, learned a bit, and then decided not to pretend otherwise. “Blinded By The Sun” is an indie-pop song with acoustic roots, but it feels closer to a personal note left on the kitchen table than a polished performance. This is what makes the song unique, it brings clarity in the most simplest of ways you’d never imagine.

Not the fun kind where everything suddenly makes sense and angels sing. This is the kind where the truth shows up uninvited and turns on the light. Sometimes that light is warm. Sometimes it hurts your eyes. Hence the title. We have all been there. You think you want answers. Then you get them. Then you squint.

One thing you do realize whilst listening is, the lyrics just has a funny way of immersing itself in your soul without you noticing, thus thanks to it playful nature. Mark keeps things simple on purpose, I love how he makes everything sounds like a kid’s play at first, but that’s the best way things get stuck in there. With words like One plus one equals two. Fast is not slow. Life is not meant to be this complicated.

It sounds obvious, but that is the point. Somewhere between bills, pressure, and trying to look impressive, people forget the basics and this is what makes some of us struggle, we are too concerned about the loads and chaos that we forget that the root of the course may actually be just from the beginning. And I love the way the song just gently taps you on the shoulder and say, hey, relax, you are still human.

Now the chorus, “Don’t look up, you’re blinded by the sun,” works in a clever way. It feels like a warning and a hug at the same time. It suggests that chasing the wrong kind of light can leave you lost. Not every bright thing is good for you. Sometimes the best view is right in front of you, not above you. Also, wearing sunglasses helps, but that might be my own advice.

I love the warm and restrained nature of the track with the acoustic guitar carrying most of the weight, and it does so without showing off. Allowing listeners to gets them self soaked up in the songs themes and the vocals soothing their nerves. Whilst listening you could hear these subtle touches in the background that add depth without getting in the way. They slowly makes the whole listening experience worth it, they sneak up silently without disturbing your focus and that’s beautiful. This makes it the kind of song you put on during a late drive or when you pretend you are “just resting your eyes” on the couch.

One thing is, it all makes sense when you know the song actually started as a poem. It makes up for the choice of words used, which gives it a natural flow like thoughts that have been revisited many times. Mark is not trying to impress anyone with big statements. He is trying to be understood, and let people know sometimes all them heavy loads we carry on our backs needs a break and enjoy the basic things in life. With his experiences from big stages like X Factor Malta and the Malta Eurovision Song Contest, this song feels very far away from bright lights and loud applause. It feels like something made in a quiet room, after the noise fades.

“Blinded By The Sun” is about slowing down. It is about remembering what matters. It is about choosing clarity, even when it is uncomfortable. And it does all of this without preaching or pointing fingers. It simply tells a story and lets you decide what it means to you. So why don’t you go ahead and enjoy this beauty of a gem from Mark Anthony Bartolo.

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