Musical phenomenon Robby Valentine, perhaps best known for his 1990s worldwide hit 'Over and Over Again', released his new album, Embrace the Unknown, on October 21st, 2023. Written, composed, and naturally, all instruments and vocals were exclusively created and recorded by Valentine.
Creating this latest work was a real challenge for Robby since his vision has now regressed to a mere 2%, because of glaucoma, but the final result of this 10-track Pop/Rock album, has once again become proof of his musical versatility and willpower. Valentine started writing and recording Embrace the Unknown about 3 years ago, at a time when the Corona pandemic dominated everyone's lives and his own world had completely collapsed due to his sudden loss of sight. The title track 'Embrace the Unknown' is about that loss, and the struggle of having to accept that fate.
The music video gives the viewer an insight into Robby's world, making us temporary guests. Imprisoned in his own mind, he's there all alone in the dark. He is left with his memories of good times that will never be relived and the dreams and ambitions he once had and now has to let go of. One by one they burn and his world gets covered in their ashes. All this time he is all alone in this world. Portrayed bandmembers are versions of himself: On guitar Envi La 10, on bass Val Roberts on drums Rob V.
We see an image of how glaucoma destroys the optic nerves.
From the ashes angels emerge. Their comforting choir surrounds him. In the beginning he is not aware of their presence, but as soon as he says he has to embrace the unknown he gets embraced by one of the angels.
More images of what he has to let go of burn and all the while the angels keep singing to him, comforting him. Then they seem to be gone. He's alone again, but an angel touches his shoulder, leaving her handprint there as a silent witness of her presence: their support is there even though he can't see them. The camera zooms out and we are being pulled out of his world. She whispers in his ear: "The wound is where the light enters you" and then vanishes. Robby then also disappears. Embraced by the blackness of blindness the video closes off with full loss of sight.
Embrace the Unknown.
According to Valentine himself, this is the most beautiful rock ballad he has ever made. A perfect ending for this beautiful album, from this unique artist, who once again has created a masterpiece worthy of national and international recognition.
Directed by the amazingly talented Sebastiaan Spijker.
www.robbyvalentine.nl
31 окт 2024
