RAY LAMONTAGNE – ‘STEP INTO YOUR POWER’

BY JANIN AYALA FELIX | JUNE 5, 2024 | FOLK | TRACKS

Ray LaMontagne has always been known for his rich, raspy voice and deeply reflective songwriting, but with his latest single, “Step Into Your Power,” he takes a joyous leap into the realm of empowerment anthems. Released on June 5, 2024, as the lead single from his ninth studio album Long Way Home, the track invites listeners to embrace their inner strength with a soulful, Motown-inspired shuffle that feels like it was plucked straight from the golden era of feel-good anthems.

Opening with the simple yet impactful lyrics, “If you want it, you can have it / All you gotta do is just reach out and grab it,” LaMontagne wastes no time in setting the tone. This is a song about self-reliance and personal empowerment, a theme that’s reinforced throughout with a gospel-infused chorus urging listeners to “Step into your power, child.” The lyrics offer encouragement without pretense—no grandiose promises, just the steady assurance that everything you need is already within you. It’s an unpretentious, straightforward message that’s hard not to feel good about.

Musically, “Step Into Your Power” marks a shift for LaMontagne, blending his signature folk-rock sound with a nostalgic nod to the grooves of 1960s soul and gospel. There’s a toe-tapping, Motown-ish shuffle that drives the song forward, with backing harmonies adding a layer of warmth and energy to the track. It’s got the kind of groove that immediately makes you want to get up and move, evoking a time when music wasn’t afraid to be both deeply personal and irresistibly catchy.

The structure of the song is as smooth as its message—LaMontagne alternates between groovy verses and a chorus that’s as infectious as it is uplifting. The harmonies soar, and the gospel-flavored backing vocals create a call-and-response dynamic that feels like a conversation between LaMontagne and the listener, urging them to seize the moment and “Step on up.” The post-chorus interjections of “Now listen to me” add an extra layer of urgency, as if LaMontagne is speaking directly to the audience, imploring them to take the leap.

Lyrically, “Step Into Your Power” is simple but deeply resonant. In the second verse, LaMontagne reminds us that “All you need you already own / It was given to you on the day that you were born.” It’s a sentiment that’s both empowering and comforting—a reminder that no matter how far we stray from our true selves, the tools for success and happiness have always been within us. By the time he sings “Don’t be afraid to fall / It’s the getting back up that’s gonna make you strong,” you can feel the song reaching its emotional peak, encouraging resilience and fearlessness in the face of life’s inevitable challenges.

The song’s final verse and chorus build into a crescendo of optimism, with LaMontagne urging us to embrace our individuality and do what we were born to do. It’s the kind of anthem that feels timeless, carrying the weight of decades of empowerment anthems while still feeling fresh and relevant for today’s audience. LaMontagne’s vocal delivery—gritty, warm, and full of heart—makes it all the more believable.

In “Step Into Your Power,” LaMontagne combines his gift for storytelling with a deep-rooted love for the homespun values that he’s often explored in his music. The track is more than just a feel-good tune—it’s a celebration of self-reliance, resilience, and the belief that everyone has the power to shape their own destiny. Backed by a groove-heavy rhythm and gospel harmonies, it’s impossible not to feel uplifted by the song’s infectious optimism.

LaMontagne has always been a master of crafting songs that speak to the heart, but with “Step Into Your Power,” he taps into something even more universal. It’s not just a personal reflection; it’s a call to action for anyone who needs a reminder that they hold the reins to their own life. With its nostalgic undertones and timeless message, this track is a standout moment on the journey toward Long Way Home.

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