Janet simpson surprises on “214”

If you’ve lived in Birmingham over the last 20 years, you’ve likely encountered Janet Simpson’s precise and emotive songs. Her career spans multiple bands and genres, including Teen Getaway, Timber, Wooden Wand, and, of course, her solo work. Regardless of the project, though, she brings her sincerity and flawless voice to everything she touches.

Last week, she surprised her fans with a new single, “214,” which she released on 2/14, Valentine’s Day. With the help of some dialed-in reverb, Simpson establishes a lonesome atmosphere and saunters away from what could’ve been a love song.

Simpson sets the scene with her sparse, yet descriptive, language. It might be 2/14, but the person she’s singing about is alone, in the dark, and without a phone (by choice). Yet, there are “no reservations, no complaints.” So, maybe, this is what they wanted all along? Or maybe not.

It’s a nice, unexpected tune. Well worth a listen (or several), especially for those who opted out of Valentine’s Day this year. Check out the track below, which will be available on streaming platforms on February 21 courtesy of Cornelius Chapel Records.