Dean Lewis’ The Epilogue is a Journey Through Heartache and New Beginnings
After a two-year wait, Dean Lewis’ third studio album, The Epilogue, is here.
Inspired by the last ten years of his life, The Epilogue symbolises the conclusion of one of Lewis’ journeys while alluding to the beginning of a new one.
Beginning with Empire, Lewis sings about a friend who “gave up so much time to support [his] dreams before going out on her own.” As it is his first folk song, Empire truly stands out. With an upbeat tempo and the strong addition of a snare drum, the single makes you want to romanticise running through a field. It’s the perfect blend of a Northern Attitude by Noah Kahan vibe, while also incorporating some of Lewis’ flair.
As the album progresses, Lewis explores themes of heartbreaking and longing. All I Ever Wanted, the second track, discusses the deep desire to return to how a relationship used to be. In the chorus, Lewis sings, “All I ever wanted/ Was to go back to the days when we were young and made a promise/ That we’d never change.” The album’s fourth track, I Still Do, is another emotional ballad where Lewis sings to a former lover. As the song builds, his cries of “I used to love you love you love you,” become even more desperate.
However, towards the middle of The Epilogue, Lewis seems to find peace with his heartache. Memories is a powerful testament to emotional growth. “So thank you for all the memories,” he sings, “Cause you’ll never know what it meant to me.” This piano-heavy track departs from the tragic, emotional buildup characteristic of earlier tracks, signifying a newfound sense of contentment and a release of past struggles for Lewis.
Finally, The Epilogue closes with the foundation of a new love story. Love of My Life, is a sweet, stripped, melodic track about the deep love that Lewis holds for someone. The song is a stark contrast to earlier tracks of desperation and pleading. “You within my arms, I’ll hold you tight,” and “To you, I give you my always,” are promises Lewis makes through his lyrics. Until The End is another homage to Lewis’s lover. The song ends with soft piano notes and whispered vocals as Lewis sings, “And when we’re old and grey/ My fingers will still trace the wrinkles on your face.”
The Epilogue concludes with The Last Bit of Us, a final goodbye. Rather than the song representing a conclusion, it encapsulates the feeling of officially moving on to bigger and better things. Lewis’s final shout of “So goodbye my love,” encapsulates progressing from the past while building anticipation for what lies ahead.
The Epilogue is a perfect reminder of how much impact a thoughtfully curated album can create.
With its themes of heartache, passionate love, and bittersweet farewells, it captivates listeners completely. Lewis showcases his exceptional storytelling skills in this musical chapter, crafting a self-reflective album that draws audiences into a world of tragic romance.
