How To Save A Life is one of the most beautiful, inspiring songs to come out of the pop charts in a long time. The Fray are one of those bands that have crept up on me, and I went over to their website to find out more:

The title track, “How To Save A Life,” was inspired by [Isaac] Slade’s experience as a mentor to a crack addicted teen. “I was a sheltered suburban kid when I met this guy. He was a recovering addict, coming out of a really tough teenage life. Thankfully, he was on his way out of that life, so he was able to really look back with some objectivity. The song is more of a memoir about his slow motion descent and all the relationships he lost along the way.”

I have to admit to not being much of a ‘lyric person’. I prefer to feel the emotion in the performance rather than read into every word that’s uttered.

How To Save A Life starts off with Isaac Slade’s vulnerable vocal over a solo piano. I love that guy’s voice - he’s got a really rich tone when he sings, especially on this song. And when the full band comes in on the chorus, it’s as uplifting as anything I’ve ever heard.

The video too works very well with the song, although it’s almost as polished as a Gap advert with the white background and random shots of people mixed with words. The words - by the way - are motivational: breathe, cry, talk to someone, etc.

As I said at the start, this is simply a beautiful song - honest and memorable. In fact, it’s the kind of song that would show up on a high-profile soundtrack….like the Grey’s Anatomy one :)