PLAYKNOW – “Is It So Hard To Be Good”: A Powerful Call for Basic Empathy
Wait! Hold it right there and have a minute thought about where our society is headed. Now take out your phone, go on any social media, or even check the news look at how much hatred we have for each other. It’s like everyone’s angry all the time, tearing each other down, raining unnecessary insults here and there like they get rewarded for loud arguments and hot takes, whilst quiet everyday kindness gets left in the dust. You sit back and wonder why it’s so difficult for folks in charge to just listen, care, and act like decent human beings for five minutes.
Have the world lost it? Have we become what we preached we’d never become? Freedom of speech, yes, but that doesn’t mean abuse! This is the question we all need to ask, “Is It So Hard To Be Good“, the synth-pop single by Norwegian music project PLAYKNOW. The song created by songwriter Hans Petter Stormoen and producer Frode Berntzen, brings in guest vocalist Kim Rysstad to deliver a warm, thoughtful music about basic empathy.
I love the way “Is It So Hard To Be Good” starts, you can immediately feel that polished balance of retro-pop style and crisp modern production in there. The track blends elements of synth-pop, new wave, and adult contemporary, creating a bright radio-ready groove that sits with you long after the last note fades. It smooth synth pads and melodic keyboard lines wrap around a steady bassline that keeps the tempo moving at a comfortable pace, that gets consuming as the song builds.
The live drums from Børre Flyen give the rhythm section a solid, punchy foundation. Over the top of this lush production, Kim Rysstad delivers an incredible vocal performance. His voice carries a natural warmth and emotional weight that makes the whole song feel grounded, sincere, and completely human. It’s such a beautiful masterpiece. The song actually pierces your heart, overwhelms you with its infectious atmosphere, smooth vocals that are sincere and emotional. Allowing you to ponder on its lyrics whilst you enjoy those bits of horns and melody.
Now behind that bouncy synths and polished hooks, the song asks a simple, powerful question, why do we treat each other like a piece of filth in our modern society? Is it that difficult to be a decent human being? Was that how we were raised? Or we’ve lost touch with ourselves? It’s that crazy really, and it ain’t just normal civilians. I appreciate the fact that the lyrics takes aim at politicians and public figures who make grand promises while ignoring the real needs of working people. We pay every tax there’s to be paid, work our asses off, and yet live from paycheck to paycheck, meanwhile those politicians are getting their pockets fat and fat, but can’t even fulfill the actual needs of the people.
So I have something to tell you, and in fact the song too, we say instead of worshipping fake leaders or chasing public drama, why not use that opportunity or time to highlight the needs of everyday workers, parents, and caregivers who quietly hold things together. It’s an emotional song that carries a hopeful message about choosing gentle strength over harsh words and anger. It reminds us that real leadership starts with listening, and that small acts of genuine consideration can help make the world a much better place. Too much chaos and greed has filled the world, let’s act before it later becomes too late.
It’s quite obvious that PLAYKNOW and Kim Rysstad has given us a total gem with “Is It So Hard To Be Good“. Not only doesn’t take a hit at what society has become, but it’s also a catchy, wonderfully produced synth-pop track that turns an everyday reflection into a timeless, uplifting theme many can relate to. Tired of all the chaos on social media and real life? Hop on this song with warm vocals, retro synth melodies and an actual soul to it!
Enjoyed the track and wants more? Check them out on the links below;
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