Earlier this year, Tony McGuinness, the celebrated lyricist behind iconic Above & Beyond tracks like “Sun & Moon”, “Thing Called Love”, and “Northern Soul”, unearthed a personal treasure from his archives: Salt, a solo project recorded nearly three decades ago.
Written in a whirlwind six-month period from 1995 to 1996, Salt draws from McGuinness’s experiences during a transformative chapter in his life. Set against the vibrant backdrop of London’s exploding club scene, the album captures the essence of a fleeting romance with a woman named Shelley.
One standout track, “Crying”, showcases McGuinness’s first attempt at songwriting on the piano, resulting in a poignant piece with a classic twist. Reflecting on the song, McGuinness shares:
“I decided to write a more traditional song with a sort of twist at the end, a classic songwriting motif. While it wasn’t written specifically about Shelley, it always felt like it deserved to be on the album.”
Although Salt is rooted in personal memories, “Crying” also resonates as a universal tale of emotional restraint, particularly from a male perspective.
For McGuinness, Salt represents more than just music—it’s a deeply personal time capsule of emotions and experiences. As he recalls:
“When we said goodbye to Shelley at Gatwick Airport, I probably lost a stone in tears. ‘Crying’ is a nod to moments like those—times when I’ve come to the end of a relationship and found myself holding back tears.”
After years of being tucked away, Salt has finally found its audience. Released via Anjunabeats, the album invites listeners to explore a different side of McGuinness—one that predates his Above & Beyond journey yet reveals the foundations of his artistry.
Crying and the rest of Salt are available now on streaming platforms. Dive into this heartfelt rediscovery and witness a chapter of McGuinness’s life that shaped the artist we know today.
