For This Love – Regina Sayles (reviewed by Dave Franklin)

In an ideal world, we would all be allowed to be who we are, journey through life in a way that best suits us, love, who we want, and do all that with the secure knowledge that we are safe in doing so. Sadly, this is not an ideal world, which is why we need gentle yet poignant reminders such as Regina Sayles‘s new single, “For This Love.“

Coinciding with National Coming Out Day, this timely yet timeless song marries pop accessibility with a country edge, spacious sonics, and, thanks in no small part to Sayles’ incredible voice, anthemic qualities.

And a great song, which this undoubtedly is, is nothing without a great lyrical sentiment, and what could be greater than a declaration to fight for love? The video also compliments and completes this message, filmed at Brooklyn’s iconic Ginger’s Bar; it blends a powerful performance video with the meeting and mingling of friends and queer community members, reinforcing the necessity for a safe space for love and connection.

Some might argue that there is an ever-increasing number of songs released that speak about gender, love, and same-sex relationships, but the response is obvious: why do people feel driven to raise such issues in the first place? One day, maybe, the world will be enlightened enough that such songs will no longer be needed; until then, artists such as Regina Sayles and the songs she sings, the messages that they carry and the sentiments she shares with us all are essential.