The Side Deal release new Single

One of popular music’s most positive songs, “I Can See Clearly Now” has been covered by several artists since the original No. 1 recording by Johnny Nash in 1972. The latest band to show the song some love and shower the listener with awesomeness is The Side Deal, comprised of founding members of Train, Sugar Ray and PawnShop Kings. “I Can See Clearly Now” is released via Goldie Records.

Formed in 2017, The Side Deal is based in Newport Beach, Calif. Grammy winning artist Charlie Colin of Train, Stan Frazier of Sugar Ray and brothers Joel and Scott Owen of the PawnShop Kings make up the quartet. The core sound they bring to the song is a rush of heavy percussion, sweltering bass guitar lines and power pop guitar riffs. After the bridge, the tempo increases, but maintains a solid tribute to the original. It’s a near spot on replication of the Nash original, but it has some specks of modern rock. The Side Deal joins Ray Charles (1978), Jimmy Cliff (1993), Crowded Houses’ Neil Finn (1998) and Eagle Eye Cherry (2008) in releasing “I Can See Clearly Now” interpretations. Movie fans might remember Cliff’s version on the Disney Cool Runnings soundtrack.

Lyrically, the words just emit happiness: oh, yes I can make it now the pain is gone, all of the bad feelings have disappeared, here is that rainbow I’ve been praying for, it’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) sunshiny day, look all around, there’s nothing but blue skies look straight ahead, there’s nothing but blue skies. The melodious voice is amplified with the power reverb and the modern drum taps. At first the drums sound more like a drum machine, but by the song’s bridge, it’s clear that the drum kit is indeed a full kit. I heard lots of bass vibes throughout the track, the tones had me glued to the notes. The Side Deal dive right into the song and give the listener a familiar place to not only listen, but a different paint job on the canvass. As timeless as this song is, when The Side Deal sings their version, it’s like hearing it for the first time. When the chorus I can see clearly now the rain is gone, I can see all obstacles in my way, gone are the dark clouds that had me blind, it’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) sunshiny day, it’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) sunshiny day, hits, the listener can’t help but smile. This is the song that changes minds and hearts. It’s no wonder The Side Deal chose this to cover – it’s infectiously happy.

The accompanying lyric video is a vibrant collage of photos and videos that depict everything from sports, smiling babies and screen-saver worthy images of Mother Earth. It’s a gorgeous sight of sunsets, laughs, achievements and pure joy. At the end of the lyric video, the band thanks all the first responders and front line workers that have put in so much extra time and risk during this trying time in history. As with the song itself, the visual representation is endearing. It’s like a vitamin injection to the troubled soul.

Samuel Pratt