Personally, I think seventeen would be the most crucial year in our life. Caught between a sandwich of teenhood and adulthood, at this age, it is normal to be in a pinch of confusion as to what should actually be done. This era will make you go through a whirlwind of options and opportunities—feels like being stuck in a tornado; it is consuming, draining, and confusing. It is a phase within our lives where constant support is immensely necessary due to everything that we get ourselves involved in. It can also be the most sensitive as one has ever gotten, hence the need to treat it as if treading dangerous waters.
This was basically the inspiration for Simon Val‘s new album Seventeen. Comprised of ten songs in total, Val has created this album in thoughts of sharing a seventeen-year-old’s view of the world around him. It might be done to guide the teenagers approaching this phase of their life or to remind the adults that we once were in this phase too, so we need to be kinder to those who are going through it in the present time.
Before going straight to the songs and the album itself, let us get to know first who Simon Val is. Hailing from Texas, USA, Simon Val is an award-winning actor and SAG-eligible performer with numerous feature films and shorts to his name. With acting, he does voiceovers, too, with an immense range of voices and dialects. He is a talented singer who has performed in many local musical theater productions, including Broadway. He studied with professionals in opera and musical theater and appeared in showcases both here and in England. A finalist in the 2021 Texas Dream Night singing competition, he released his debut album in 2022. Simon is also an epee fencer and has over 11 years of fencing experience with many national and international medals to his credit.
The album opens with the song Beautiful. It’s the story of what the seventeen-year-old in present times is going through. The situations might be tough and heavy, but despite such ugly instances, Val sings that life would still be beautiful and enjoyable to him. It’s the fact that tomorrow is a new blank canvas, waiting to be filled, and it’s all upon us to make it great. Live a Little More sort of follows a likewise theme about living life to its fullest.
My Heart Texts You is a song about love and longing in modern times in this phase between teenhood and adulthood. The title itself sounds more Gen-Z that a song can ever be. Continuing with the theme of love, Calling Out To You comes next. This song also talks about someone longing for a person who can’t show if their affection is reciprocated. This song also features a rap-like verse, making it a song showing Val’s flexibility in genre and talent. Do You See Me Yet is also a song that features the theme of love, but it is more on the side of yearning for someone and observing if they also reciprocate the same mutual feelings. It also sings about how genuine the persona’s feelings are to their muse.
Just Smile is a fresh-sounding track that reminds the listeners to chill and breathe. That even though there were bad days, there are many things to look forward to and to be thankful for. Simply You and Me takes on a more ballad and mellow route, singing about making mistakes as people. It is a song that shows one’s complex thinking about love and the circumstances that surrounds it. Come True is a young one’s wishful thinking made into a song, which sings about dreams and goals and how they will come true. Be Your Forever is a personal favorite, this song, personally assessed, fit Val’s vocals the best. It is also a light song, perfect for unwinding on a chill afternoon. The album then concludes with Maybe We Can Fall In Love Again. A song about reconciliation about a past lover. It sings about one’s attempt to make someone come back again in their life.
It truly is a wild ride being seventeen, and we should be thankful to Simon Val for sharing his story and his perspective on being one. With relatable lyrics, a versatile sound, and an authentic voice, Val offers both a guide for those currently in this phase and a nostalgic reminder for those who have been through it. As we listen, we’re reminded to embrace the journey with compassion—for ourselves and for others.
Follow Simon Val on his social media accounts, and listen to his newest album on your favorite music streaming platform!
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About the Author
Angel Mariah Rodiel – Mari to the people she’s fond of – is a BA Literature student currently studying in Central Luzon State University. Writing, arts, and music are some of the things she’s been most passionate about ever since she was a kid. Mari’s little dream is to build a band that will open for Paramore’s concert someday. Pop-punk and alternative rock are her comfort music genres, K-pop and J-rock comes close as third and fourth.
