Singer-songwriter, Papa Boyle, releases shimmer-toned new single

Music Review | 13th May, 2025 Papa Boyle

Blending 50's and 60's retro sounds with a modern twist, Dublin based artist, Papa Boyle, has built a reputation for making music with rousing melodies and pondering punchlines.

2024 was the breakout year for the artist following the success with his debut release Between Two Fools and the follow up single Last Chance Saloon. Earning radio airplay from his previous releases Papa Boyle ended 2024 with the mesmerising single Tranquillo.

Following on form the stunning single Falling For A Daydream (2025), which received over 10,000 streams on Spotify, the solo artist returns with his latest hook filled single, Chasing The Smile

Lyrically, Chasing The Smile is a song that potentially has dual meaning, on one hand it feels personal but ultimately it has themes that a lot of people are trying to navigate through. The song delves into the challenges facing society with trying to take the next step or decision in life, it questions the social norms that we are deemed to follow throughout different stages of our being which is supposed to make us smile.

I suppose the song poses the question: are we happy to chase these things that seem so illusive and the answer to all our problems.

The opening chords is the first part I wrote for - Chasing The Smile - initially I thought the song might have more of a George Harrison sound to it with some pretty guitars and sweeping strings but as the song took shape I wanted to keep the verses tight and lean into the synth which gave the song an unexpected but welcome feel.

In terms of songwriting its probably the most experimental to date when it comes to instrumentation and style but its possibly the most rewarding so far. It was cool to mix a range of inspirations into this and I think this is quite evident with the contrast between each section throughout the song.

Papa Boyle - Chasing The Smile

The single, Chasing The Smile, is available through all streaming platforms.

Photo: Jawdropper PR