Cliff Stevens rediscovers his creative edge on the bold and beautiful ‘Try’

There comes a point in many long careers where comfort can easily replace curiosity. After years of refining a recognisable sound, the temptation is often to repeat what already works. Cliff Stevens has chosen the opposite path. But rather than reinforcing the blues-rock foundations that have earned him widespread admiration, ‘Try’ finds the Canadian songwriter stepping confidently into unfamiliar territory, and the gamble pays off magnificently.

The opening moments immediately signal that something has shifted. A brooding guitar motif hangs in the air before slowly giving way to an arrangement that feels far more expansive than anything he has previously attempted. While his trademark expressive guitar work remains firmly intact, it now exists inside a broader soundscape where shimmering keyboards, rich organ textures, layered acoustics and carefully placed electronics all play equally important roles.

At its heart, ‘Try’ is an anthem about endurance. Throughout, Stevens delivers its message with quiet conviction, allowing the music to mirror the gradual process of finding strength when circumstances appear overwhelming. The emotional payoff comes from the patience with which the arrangement steadily unfolds, each new layer reinforcing the song’s central message of perseverance.

But what makes this transition especially compelling is how organic it sounds. The artist never appears to be chasing fashionable sounds or reinventing himself for the sake of reinvention. Every creative decision feels motivated by the song itself. His blues heritage continues to provide the emotional backbone, even as the arrangements reach into far broader musical territory.

If ‘Try’ serves as an introduction to the forthcoming album, then we have every reason to be excited. Rather than abandoning the qualities that established his reputation, Cliff Stevens has broadened his artistic vocabulary, embracing fresh ideas while remaining grounded in exceptional songwriting. It’s a confident, emotionally rich and beautifully crafted return that demonstrates the most rewarding creative evolutions often come from artists willing to challenge themselves.

Far from simply opening a new chapter, ‘Try’ suggests Cliff Stevens may be entering one of the most compelling periods of his career.