I’m Listening is one of those timeless pieces, one that connects such seemingly disparate music strands as the piano balladeers of the thirties and the music hall sound of Cole Porter, with more modern players, such as Randy Newman and Billy Joel, which might seem an eclectic bunch but play this song and tell me that you can’t hear at least something of their individual DNA pulsing away.
But as simple as the song might seem, with its gentle cascading piano lines, thoughtful and thought-provoking lyrical statements, and a wash of clever sonics created by the wonderful meshing and merging of the twin voices of Justin Roberts and the good doctor himself, the song runs much deeper than such genteel sounds suggest.
Arguments happen, often between creative collaborators and even between close friends. But what started as a disagreement took a turn for the constructive and became a dialogue, a debate where both sought to understand the other’s point of view. They then realized that they had done something that seemed a rare occurrence today; they had listened and tried to see each other’s point of view. They patiently and genuinely sought to understand each other. and so the idea for the song was born.
Look at the modern world, everything from politics to the internet, business to mass media, and you will find a few instances where people give up their entrenched position and seek to truly understand the other side of an argument. I’m Listening is an anthem for seeking understanding, straightforward, honest dialogue, and balanced debate. A soundtrack suggesting that we would do well to learn how to listen to one another again. That’s not too much to ask, is it?
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Thank you so much for this extremely thoughtful review! I’m just seeing it. And thank you for listening. — Doctor Noize