While Richard Hawley may not be conventional pop star material, his strong influence from 1950s and 1960s pop ballads, matched with his distinctive style of Teddy-boy tailoring and a glossy quiff, plants him firmly in a different era. Yet, with his smooth tunes produced on a Gretsch guitar, he wouldn’t be out of place alongside classic musicians like Billy Fury or Elvis Presley. Despite his out-of-favour status with the mainstream pop, Hawley is cherished by many discerning households due to his obvious affection for bygone times, his unwavering love for his hometown Sheffield, and his nostalgia-infused music.
In songs like “People”, Hawley pays tribute to the hard graft of the working-class, resonating with the dignity and tenacity inherent in these communities. His evocative lyrics depict an image of the industrious working-class, toiling away in harsh conditions only to make their weary way home in the frosty early hours. The beautifully crafted “Prism in Jeans” carries strong pre-Beatles pop undertones, so much so that it could seamlessly blend into the soundtrack of any early 1960s Cliff Richard flick.
Eight of his ten studio albums have Sheffield as a focal point, either in the title or theme, leading some to suggest that Hawley’s continual fondness for his city is making his music increasingly niche. However, reducing his finely honed songs down to mere local flavour misses the broader, universal themes his music presents.
Take, for example, the song “Hear That Lonesome Whistle Blow,” a poignant tribute to country legends Patsy Cline and Hank Williams or the deeply moving “Heavy Rain”, an emotive ballad with lyrical depth. In these lyrically profound compositions, Hawley pays tribute to his usual themes – tender, reflective, and richly textured narratives, that make his music anything but mundane.