115. Single Review of Tomorrow by Ryan Redwood
Originally Published on April 17th, 2025
About the Artist
One of the most hopeful concepts we have as human beings is the mystery that is our future. For some, the future is opportunity. It’s realizing the potential we have that is unrealized today. It’s achieving the goals we have set for ourselves. It’s growth, it’s realization. It’s destiny.
Sure, sometimes it’s learning bad things, or sad things, or even things we didn’t expect. Maybe a goal that wasn’t achieved so new goals were redirected. But, it’s important to note, a new day is always opportunity. Even if we are in the worst of situations. The sun rising in the east is the chance to hit that reset button and progress.
This concept is not unfamiliar to Norwich’s Ryan Redwood, who has identified the concept of leaving all of his cards on the table. He’s fully aware of opportunities and seizing them when he can. As he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and evolvution as a musician, he is sure not to presumptuously move with any great expectations. He instead shows gratitude for opportunity. For the future. Without putting too much concern into the answers, it’s the questions; even the scary ones, that have him smiling.
Ryan Redwood debuted as a recording artist in 2021, with the release of his single 10/10 in March of that year, then immediately followed that release with Whatever I Please in April. These debut singles showcased a prominent punk and grunge influence, with crunchy, bright distorted guitars, boxed drums, and a bright bass part that plucks along with the chord progression of the songs. This all highlighted by a vocal performance that is reminiscent of Billy Joe Armstrong of Green Day.
A year after debuting, Redwood released Late, a song that displayed growth in production, musicality, and songwriting. Where 10/10 and Whatever I Please solely stemmed from a punk origin of music, Late, seemed to pull inspiration from more of an alternative background. I get the sense that he was experiencing an element of maturity in his life. The song almost has a secondary, darker theme to it and Redwood leans into the feeling fearlessly as he opens up a new part of himself and his experiences.
Later in 2022, All Said and Done released in September. Progressing right along from his transition into Late, All Said and Done, exhibits the same progress with production value, as he has begun to blend the alternative sound with the grunge from his first releases, but keeping the more mature thematic elements of his music. All is Said and Done is highlighted by a groovy instrumental bridge that features a surprising and entertaining saxophone solo, before executing a very cool transition back into the body of the song and the closing chorus.
2023 brought even more dynamic growth to Redwood with the release of Once Again, as this song featured new elements stylistically, featuring acoustic guitar, a brighter, lead guitar that was mixed with more reverb which gave it a more pop rock feel, female backing vocals, and again maturing in production value, experimenting with supplemental effects behind the main elements of the music like delays that just reverberate behind the mainframe of the song.
Later in 2023, Ryan Redwood would release his debut EP, a 4-song project entitled Twenty Something Romance. At 13 minutes, this collection of work showcases a commitment of continued exploration into where his sound could potentially bring him. As he incorporates more acoustic guitar into his music, he stylistically is growing more comparable to acts like Dashboard Confessional.
In June of 2024, Redwood would once again open the curtain on new possibilities, exhibiting growth and slight alterations to his sound as he has fully committed to this path of discovery. The release of Old News would be his only release in 2024, and it is his most successful release to date.
Ryan Redwood continues to explore his sound, reach his audience, and develop as a musician, songwriter, and artist altogether. It’s as if to say there is no telling what “tomorrow” might bring. Well, in this very rare case, we can hear it today!
About the Song
Tomorrow is the latest single by UK artist, Ryan Redwood. It released on April 11th, 2025. At 3 minutes, it features the solo work of Ryan, accompanied by a full rock ensemble and was released under Rockstar Records. This is Ryan Redwood’s first release of 2025.
About the Music
I’ve mentioned the growth of the music of Ryan Redwood since debuting in 2021. I realize that I should also address his vocal performance. There is no doubt that Redwood’s voice is built for rock, punk, grunge work. I mentioned a resemblance to Billy Joe before. I would say Tomorrow is in the same vein but I am vocally reminded of Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins in Tomorrow.
Considering the full spectrum of energy Tomorrow has to offer, the introduction starts with less energy but a sample of anticipation that implies the song will build into something bigger and more atmospheric.
The chorus confirms this anticipation with a bigger, anthemic performance. In addition to a bigger more percussive performance by the bad, the lead vocals icorporate a balanced collection of layers to build and strengthen the lead vocals.
The build continues into the second verse and second chorus, as Redwood sneaks piano and string arangements into the finale of Tomorrow for a very epic ending to a very beautiful arrangement.
Now, in the beginning of this article, referred to the future with optimism. Tomorrow looks to our future but through many different lenses. From a point of view, optimism is there but there are certainly some darker, more pecimmistic thoughts here too. Desparation, motivation, existential uncertainties, offer a thematic diversity as, in a sense, Redwood almost seems to urge his listeners to not take today for granted, in lieu of tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
There is a common consistent element within Ryan Redwood’s releases from 2021 to today. He is committed to growth and improvement as a musician and as a songwriter.
Tomorrow is no different. Ryan Redwood is willing to experiment with new ideas. Though he is right at home within the genre of rock music, he is exploring his comfort zones in the plethora of sub-genres within this category. I love how he experimented with strings and keys in this song. Steady vocal progress, steady musical progress, instrumental experimentation, and patience with finding the right production quality for his music.
Tomorrow sometimes offers a bleak outlook on what lies ahead. There is nothing bleak about what could be in front of Ryan Redwood. He’s committed to his music, he’s clever, and he’s growing. He fits right in with compelling artists who are showing enough potential to change the narrative on independent music. Perhaps the goal should never be to cross into mainstream music. Maybe tomorrow, independent artists like Ryan Redwood who dedicate themselves to their authenticity, to bettering themselves, perhaps they become the mainstream.
You can subscribe to his YouTube Channel to see media content like official music videos. Also, you can follow him on TikTok.
Tomorrow released on April 11th and is available to stream on all major platforms!
Don’t watch the movement, BE the movement! Go press play!
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