T.J. Doyle

One True Thing Album songs are mindscapes of poignant thought as described by Independent Reviewer, Janelle Schiecke:

Let The Dance Begin is a breezy and upbeat love song with a passionate message, that of salvaging a relationship gone astray and starting anew. The lyrics are very poignant, and the verse and chorus beautifully work together to carry the tone from one of despair and frustration to that of hope and encouragement. It also has a melody that is incredibly infectious, with light and joyful instrumentals dancing above a smooth and steady beat. This is one of those songs that will stay in your head all day, and that’s a good thing.

Why questions the cynicism in all of us. It’s a heartfelt song confronting the dark side of human relationships – lack of empathy, superficiality, disdain and dirty little secrets. And while we can all relate, so too can we choose to tear down the emotional walls that divide us. Amidst soaring guitar solos, lyrics such as “…feelings I’ve left unsaid” and “Parts of…life we don’t share” hit close to home. A powerful song that will linger on long after the last note is played.

Earth Is Crying is a haunting melody accentuated by the bittersweet cry of the slide guitar throughout. And its message is of grave importance – saving our remarkable planet from further peril. Lyrics such as “her heart is breaking, there’s nowhere to hide” help to paint a cruel but all-too-real picture of the destruction man has wrought upon this earth. And quite ironically, man is the only solution to reverse the damage that has been done. This song is very personal because it speaks to all of us; we all play a part in Mother Earth’s salvation.

There are several times in our lives when we must choose which path to follow, and sometimes down the road we realize we’ve made the wrong choice. Such is the theme of Nothing In My Way, an incredibly moving and affecting song about personal regret and reflection on mistakes made. The lyrics are brutally honest, uttering “If I wasn’t in my own way, there was nothing in my way”. And although we all make mistakes in our lives, forgiveness is the key to overcoming adversity and to living again. The message here is inspiring, and the subject touches each and every one of us.

If you’re looking for that perfect love song, one that defines what true love really feels like and what it takes to get there, then look no further than One True Thing. This beautiful ballad flows over a smooth and catchy beat, and with lyrics such as “One true thing, is what we do,” testifies to the fact that true love is an act of commitment above all else. Honest and moving, it speaks to all of us who have found our true love and is an inspiration for those still searching.

Like A Child starts slow and daunting with a tribal drum beating frantically over a low and grave piano melody, while the sweet noise of children at play echoes in the distance. And the message is clear – as tragedies such as depleting rainforests, gang violence and animal suffering continue, too many of us choose apathy over effort and, in doing so, allow these issues more room to breathe. We must choose to forgo our own procrastinations and learn from the children, who offer their love with open hearts and know no ignorance. Together, we can all make a difference by giving our love like a child.

We all lead such busy lives these days, and sometimes in the midst of everything it’s easy to succumb to stress and burden. Everybody needs an escape, a place of solitude and rest where they can reconnect with themselves. Such is the theme of The Angel Wind, a light and peaceful song addressing that special haven which is so important to each and every one of us. Close your eyes, relax your mind and let the music take you away.

Something To Believe In is an inspiring song about overcoming adversity and vulnerability and arriving at acceptance. It’s all too easy to guard one’s emotions and bottle them up, but until we can learn to trust one another positive change cannot take place. Lyrics such as “When will we let ourselves be” beautifully convey the message of easing the tension between us and accepting one another as we are. Both powerful and thought-provoking, it’s timeless wisdom we can all learn from.

We all go through dark stages in our lives, and sometimes it’s easy to deny ourselves the right to be happy and give in to sadness and despair. Hope is a charming and truly inspirational song reminding us all that happiness is a choice and comes from within. As the melody harmoniously sings on, lyrics such as “Hope…Brought light into my life” and “…renewed my soul” uplift the spirit and invigorate the senses. A very beautiful and moving song – this one will brighten your day.

Men Need Love is an honest and emotional plea to the societal norms of relationship dynamics between man and woman. It is very stripped down, composed solely of the vocals, piano and strings, and yet this beautifully compliments the tone and message of the song. The lyrics are very heartfelt and, at times, melancholy. As you hear hints of sorrow in the T.J.'s  voice, so too do you hear similar emotions arise from the sweetness of the strings to the delicate piano chords. One can’t help but find the melody incredibly soothing as well, and it succeeds as a perfect blend of raw emotion and powerful instrumentals.

© 2009
Some images © keela84 (cc).