Album Review: “Second Wind” by Daniel Seavey
On March 7, 2025, Daniel Seavey released his self-written, self-produced debut solo album, ‘Second Wind,’ and it’s undeniably the perfect soundtrack for the summer. Featuring 12 tracks, this pop-rock album offers a bittersweet blend of nostalgia and hope, showcasing Seavey’s impressive vocal range and creative production. Seavey’s rise to fame began a decade ago when he auditioned for American Idol and later found success as a member of the boy band Why Don’t We. However, the band went on hiatus in 2022 following a complicated lawsuit with their former label. The legal battle wrapped up last month, with the band sadly losing the rights to their name, marking the end of an emotional chapter in Seavey’s life.
This makes ‘Second Wind’ all the more significant. As Seavey shared, “This album is the first real step forward. It’s a fresh start, a new beginning. It’s my second wind. This album has given me purpose, hope, excitement, joy - feelings that were robbed from my heart for so long.” As a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, Seavey’s versatility and heart shine through on every track.
The album opens with the carefree vibrance of the title track, one that sonically captures the album’s sun-drenched, oceanic visuals. He sings, “You try to cast me away, but you know I’ll come back again / I was lost and afraid, but you gave me a second wind.” Followed by the bright energy and catchy beat of “Waves,” it’s the perfect start to the album. Next is “The Older You Get,” the first single released last May and a song that embodies nostalgia. It quickly became a fan favorite, with many using it in the background of social media posts reminiscing about their favorite bands and music from their youth. The song opens with a gentle piano that gradually builds to a powerful chorus, matching the emotion in Seavey’s vocals. Reflecting on the inevitable changes that come with growing up—whether it’s leaving his childhood home, fading friendships, or his mother’s battle with cancer—there’s a touch of hope that reminds us that these changes help us grow into better people.
In “Lose Me Like You Mean It,” Seavey confronts the painful end of a relationship, which transitions into the smooth, dramatic vocals of “Blondes,” a more lighthearted breakup song. This heartache is then contrasted with “Your Light,” a simple yet deeply romantic love song. Seavey’s soft vocals express a love for his partner that feels pure, unguarded, and infinite. Following this is “Gateway Drug,” an infectious, danceable track that, combined with Seavey’s effortlessly smooth falsetto, captures the rush of falling for someone so deeply that it feels like an addiction. The energy of this song leads seamlessly into “Sleeping With The Lights On,” a highly anticipated track that easily lives up to expectations. While the lyrics are tinged with resentment over someone’s lingering effects on his life, the song is incredibly catchy, and the heavenly harmonies towards the end are nothing short of mesmerizing.
“Sunny Isles” brings another light-hearted groovy summer tune to the album, fitting perfectly into the album’s overall mood. Then, in “You Let Me Down,” Seavey leans into an R&B-inspired sound, with his raw vocals and beautiful riffs carrying the song. This one speaks to the pain of betrayal, as he sings, “You kept me around / Just to let me down.” The penultimate track, “If I Ever Get to Heaven,” is a poignant tribute to Seavey’s late friend Corey La Barrie, who tragically passed away in a car crash in 2020. The chorus borrows from “Jersey on the Wall (I'm Just Asking)” by Tenille Townes, which is itself a tribute to car crash victims. The lyrics are fitting for Seavey’s message, and the sorrow in his tender vocals is enough to bring anyone to tears. Finally, the album closes with “Other People,” a song about the aftermath of a failed relationship. Seavey’s voice is filled with both regret and acceptance as he sings, “You know it’s over when it’s over . . . now it’s time to let it go.” It’s a perfect conclusion to an album about moving on and embracing a brighter future.
‘Second Wind’ is an outstanding debut album that demonstrates Seavey’s evolution as a musician and conveys the passion and artistry that he proudly channels into everything he creates. With his upcoming world tour starting this month, it’s clear that this is just the beginning for Daniel Seavey, and we can’t wait to see where his second wind takes him.