Singer/songwriter Leslie Mendelson shines a little light and love out into the world, toasting to “The Good Life” in a new timeless classic – a tender, heartfelt, and golden-hued song that promises to lift our spirits and soothe our souls.
Stream: “The Good Life” – Leslie Mendelson
Life is a roller-coaster of ups and downs – there’s no doubt about that – but for all those times we find ourselves with more lows than highs, Leslie Mendelson’s latest single can (hopefully) lend a helping hand. The singer/songwriter shines a little light and love into the world, toasting to “The Good Life” in a tender, heartfelt, and uplifting song that promises to soothe even the most restless soul.
It’s a gentle reminder to let the little things go; to rebalance ourselves when we veer too far off course; and to cut ourselves some slack. Here’s to the good life.
Won’t you cut yourself some slack
Pour yourself a drink
When you’re feeling at your worst
You’re doing better then you think
When you can’t get out bed
Cause you haven’t slept a wink
When your time is running out
And left the dishes in the sink
Any day now it’ll come around
Atwood Magazine is proud to be premiering “The Good Life,” the glistening, golden-hued second single taken off Leslie Mendelson’s forthcoming fourth studio album, After the Party (out June 21, 2024 via Pasadena Records / Royal Potato Family).
Following March’s lead single “Other Girls,” a feverish, bluesy rocker driven by raw emotion and crunchy electric guitars, “The Good Life” is a lighter fare, its acoustic guitars crafting a sweet, folksy Americana atmosphere into which all are invited to bask and breathe easy.
This message is reemphasized and reiterated in the song’s chorus, as Mendelson sings the equivalent of a reassuring smile and a helping hand.
When the world turns upside down
Inside out, makes you crazy
But don’t worry baby
Everything will be alright
And if I ever had the chance
To do it all again I wouldn’t change it
So pour me a drink pass me a light
Here’s to the good life
Here’s to the good life
Her wise words are a balm for the weary, and they shine ever brighter thanks to the dazzling, sun-kissed instrumental work all around her. Mendelson recruited guitarists Waddy Wachtel and John Jorgenson, bassists Leland Sklar and Derrick Anderson, and drummers Jim Keltner and Abe Rounds to create a world of lush, lilting sonic warmth and wonder in the studio, and worked with three producers – the legendary Peter Asher (James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt), Tyler Chester (Sara Bareilles, Sara Watkins), and her own longtime songwriting partner, Steve McEwan – to capture each song and bring her vision to life.
“I’m a big fan of Glen Campbell and ’70s country music in general,” Mendelson says of her new song. “This one feels like it’s right out of that era with its lyrics and groove. I love playing and singing it. I can almost imagine myself on the set of the shows from that time, like The Johnny Cash show or Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour.”
All the stars are out tonight
Who knows what’s around the bend
May the music never die
Let the party never end
Any day now it’ll come around
The true beauty of this song lies its evergreen universality: “The Good Life” is nonspecific, yet detailed enough to feel like it comes from, and speak to, the heart. It is unquestionably brand new, and yet it feels like an instant, timeless classic; like a familiar friend we didn’t know we were missing.
Such is the power of Leslie Mendelson’s songwriting that she can warm our hearts, soothe our souls, and ensure we come back for another round. “The Good Life” is refreshingly sweet – the kind of song that guarantees we’ll be listening to After the Party upon its release in June.
“I would love for this record to connect,” Mendleson says of her upcoming album. “I think there’s something in there to speak to people. There are personal moments, there are moments of fun, where you can turn it up loud and sing along, and there are moments of reflection. This record is an emotional journey, and I hope that people can take it with me.”
Having been handpicked to open for The Who and collaborate with The Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir; having received accolades from living legends like Jackson Browne and The Wallflowers’ Jakob Dylan; and having shone her own beautiful, guiding light in this song and beyond, Leslie Mendelson is absolutely worth paying extra special attention to in the months to come. Catch her on tour this spring and summer, playing both solo dates and select supporting dates with Rhett Miller, The Wallflowers and The Who’s Roger Daltrey.
And get a taste of “The Good Life,” streaming exclusively on Atwood Magazine!
When the world turns upside down
Inside out
Makes you crazy
But don’t worry baby
Everything will be alright
And if I ever had the chance
To do it all again I wouldn’t change it
So pour me a drink pass me a light
Here’s to the good life
Here’s to the good life
Here’s to the good life
Let’s go out tonight
Who knows what’s round the bend
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Stream: “The Good Life” – Leslie Mendelson
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© Mary Ellen Matthews
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