The Revivialist’s David Shaw Explores Life, Love, and Change in Take A Look Inside

Photo Editing Credit: Kaz Phoenix

The singer-songwriter’s latest album Take a Look Inside invites listeners on a journey of healing, love, and personal growth.

By: Liz Lindain

David Shaw is getting personal and opening up. The Revivalists frontman recently went on tour this past winter celebrating his second solo album, Take a Look Inside, which was released back in October. The 12-song record blends soothing acoustic guitar with mellow rock, bluesy grooves and a touch of country sounds. Produced at Esplanade Studios in New Orleans, LA, Take A Look Inside sees the 41-year old singer exploring life and love with complete honesty and dives deep into the themes of growth and self-reflection. 

“It’s easy to run for your entire life,” Shaw said in a recent press conference. “As you get older, there are always emotions and thoughts you don’t want to touch. Much of Take A Look Inside was about sitting down for even five minutes and asking, ‘What is this feeling? Why is it being brought up now?’ I chose to face these feelings, ask what they needed, and use them. By shedding some of this shit, I didn’t have as much anxiety. I was happier all around too.”

The opening track, “Take a Look Inside”, is a deeply introspective song about self-discovery, healing and embracing personal growth. The lyrics talk about the journey of overcoming fear, facing pain and learning to see the world with fresh eyes. The song, and the album as a whole, conveys a sense of letting go of the past, embracing change and finding peace within yourself.

One of my favorite songs on the album is “When You Love Somebody”, which explores the complexity of love. In this more upbeat tune, Shaw sings about how love can hurt, heal and pull you back in, no matter how hard you try to let go. Despite the struggles, the song reinforces the idea that true love is something you can't easily walk away from, no matter how much it hurts.

The gifted singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist spent much of the past few years writing and recording the album in bursts of inspiration amidst a very busy schedule, especially as a husband and new dad. 

“I hope people can listen to this album when they need some kind of medicine,” he continues. “I want it to be like a trusted friend you can lean on who never judges you. I’ve realized I’m forever a student of life. I love learning about myself, my friends, and my family. Having a child has profoundly shifted my perspective and how I approach life. I wish I’d started this process ten years ago, but life happens when it happens. I’m thankful to be growing more than ever.”

Photo Credit: Valerie Roman

Another song that really stood out to me in the album was “Guru” because of the dreamlike sound. In the ballad, he sings about how love is so profound that it feels almost spiritual, as he sees his partner as a guiding force or teacher. He uses rich and natural imagery throughout the song such as rivers, the dew and golden light to convey a sense of surrender and devotion he has towards his lover. The song is about love and finding purpose in another person, while embracing both the beauty and fragility of deep connection.

Not only does Shaw use this project to express himself, but he also takes the opportunity to sing about his opinions on important social issues. Recorded at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL, the eighth song on the album “Alabama” was inspired by the recent birth of his daughter and his frustration about the ongoing battle against women’s reproductive rights in the United States, as well as this spring’s Alabama Supreme Court ruling that embryos created during IVF fertility treatments should be considered children. 

In his most recent solo project, Shaw explores the highs and lows of life with raw emotion and hard-earned wisdom. Listeners can stream Take a Look Inside and his other songs with The Revivalists on all streaming platforms.