Hels Pattison is a burgeoning singer-songwriter from Newcastle upon Tyne, England, whose artistic compass points firmly toward heartfelt expression and genre-blending innovation. Rooted in country music but unafraid to color outside its lines, Hels has quickly become a standout in the North East’s growing music scene. With past showcases at BBC Introducing’s “From the Glasshouse” and the “NEXT! Big Thing” event at Bents Park, she is carving out a space where vulnerability meets vitality. Drawing from her country roots while incorporating touches of pop and rock, Hels presents a voice that is sincere, striking, and refreshingly self-assured. Her songs reflect a deep understanding of life’s emotional nuances, often channeled through dynamic storytelling and commanding vocals that feel lived-in and honest.
Released on August 1st, 2025, “Merry-Go-Round” bursts open with the energy of a summer day in motion. It is a breezy, emotionally intelligent country-pop single that radiates warmth, introspection, and singalong spirit all at once. From the first few guitar strums, the song locks into an upbeat rhythm that feels familiar yet invigorating, weaving nostalgia into its very bones. Thematically, it dives into the push-and-pull of growing up, confronting the loss of youthful freedom while acknowledging the lingering desire to stay true to oneself. The music captures that swirl of longing and hope with a steady pulse and an optimistic glimmer, transforming a deeply personal reckoning into an inclusive and joyful listening experience. Hels Pattison doesn’t just tell us how it feels to spin through life’s emotional cycles; she brings us right into the loop, inviting us to ride alongside her.
Musically, “Merry-Go-Round” strikes a balance between country grit and polished pop clarity. Its core arrangement is anchored by jangling, sun-soaked guitars courtesy of Zachary Savage, paired with a pulsing rhythm section that gives the track its undeniable lift. Anneka Johnson’s drums provide drive without overpowering, and Alex Ferry’s bass anchors the melody with fluid motion. There’s a tactile warmth in the production that makes the track feel both grounded and open, as if it’s being performed live on a breezy outdoor stage. Producer Paul Gregory smartly resists the urge to over-embellish, allowing every instrumental detail to breathe. There’s a confidence in the restraint, a clear trust in the song’s inherent strength. Even the subtle textures are delivered with care, enriching the sonic palette without ever distracting from the song’s emotional message.
Vocally, Hels Pattison is the undeniable heart of the track. Her voice is striking in its sincerity, balancing soft vulnerability with moments of full-bodied confidence. She doesn’t over-sing or strain to impress; rather, she delivers each lyric with precision and emotional depth, sounding both accessible and assured. Her tone is smooth but never sterile, and her phrasing invites listeners to lean in, to feel the tug of each reflection and revelation. Whether moving through the verses with a thoughtful lilt or soaring into the choruses with undeniable conviction, her vocal performance is intimate and immediate. It draws the listener closer, not just to the music, but to the message that lies beneath its surface shimmer.
The lyrics in “Merry-Go-Round” are poignant and thoughtfully constructed, capturing the shift from childlike self-assurance to the uncertainty that often shadows adulthood. Lines about the simplicity of youth and the pressure to fit in cut with precision, offering a mirror to listeners who have felt themselves compromising or hiding parts of who they are just to belong. The titular metaphor is used not only to signify childhood wonder, but also the repetitive cycles of trying, failing, learning, and returning. There’s power in that recognition, in knowing that what once felt like regression might actually be rediscovery. It’s a concept that elevates the song beyond surface-level nostalgia and transforms it into a call for self-reclamation. Rather than simply reminiscing, Pattison questions what it takes to return to the person you were before the world taught you to be someone else.
One of the most compelling aspects of the song is its emotional duality. On one hand, it is undeniably fun, propelled by a summery, boot-stomping rhythm that practically begs for windows-down singalongs. But just beneath that sheen lies a nuanced reflection on identity, insecurity, and authenticity. The interplay between sonic brightness and lyrical depth is masterful, never feeling jarring or disjointed. This emotional layering allows the track to be both immediate and lasting. First-time listeners might be drawn in by the energy and catchiness, but subsequent plays reveal more weight, more heart, and more layers to unpack. That balance is no easy feat, and it speaks to both the maturity of the songwriting and the thoughtfulness of the arrangement.
The song also functions as a quiet act of rebellion. Hels Pattison shares that country music was something she once embraced without shame, only to later hide as it became socially uncool among peers. “Merry-Go-Round” reclaims that joy unapologetically, positioning itself as both an artistic and personal homecoming. In doing so, it reflects a broader cultural conversation about the pressure to curate ourselves to fit in, to discard what feels real in favor of what feels accepted. The song gently but firmly pushes back on that notion. It doesn’t scream defiance, it sings it sweetly, subtly, and with grace. In its breezy delivery, it offers a powerful reminder that the things we loved before we were taught to judge ourselves often hold the clearest truths about who we really are.
Production-wise, the track excels in its clarity and cohesion. Alex Blamire’s engineering ensures that each instrument holds its space without bleeding over the others, while Gregory’s mix gives everything a comfortable place to shine. Nick Sheffield’s mastering completes the package with just the right amount of polish. The sonic quality remains rich from start to finish, making it easy to replay and rewarding to study. What’s especially admirable is the way the track retains an organic feel, despite being perfectly arranged and professionally produced. This cohesion between sonic texture and emotional intent adds to the track’s overall authenticity. Nothing feels manufactured or insincere, each element supports the story and the spirit of the song.
Merry-Go-Round is a Sun-soaked Country-pop That Blends Heartfelt Storytelling With Vibrant Rhythms, Capturing The Beauty And The Courage To Be Unapologetically Yourself
In totality, “Merry-Go-Round” is a career-defining moment for Hels Pattison, a song that not only affirms her place in the UK’s evolving country-pop landscape but also amplifies her unique voice in it. It is a track that invites listeners to enjoy the ride, to reflect, and perhaps most importantly, to remember who they were before the noise set in. With its vibrant instrumentation, affecting lyrics, and compelling vocals, it stands as both a personal anthem and a universal message. In a crowded musical world, Pattison has delivered something that feels refreshingly human, something that reminds us how growth, joy, and honesty are all part of the same cycle. “Merry-Go-Round” is more than just a song; it is a return to center, set to music that makes you feel glad to be spinning.
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