“Anuther Sunny Hulliday” tries to subvert the summertime anthem-quite the opposite-but because it seems entirely unfazed by whatever algorithm-approved brand of “summer vibes” currently dominates streaming platforms. Instead, Mick J. Clark has delivered something that feels like it’s meandered in from a forgotten decade, tote bag in one hand, novelty sunglasses in the other, and an almost disquieting amount of earnestness on its sleeve. Not since Up All Night by Aaron Lee Tasjan given me such delight in such a sound.
The title of the song alone gives you a pretty good idea of what you’re getting. “Anuther Sunny Hulliday” isn’t a misspelled; it’s an intentional phonetic joke. Mick J. Clark dives headfirst into the pronunciation with a theatrical glee, turning what might have been a one-note gag into a small but memorable piece of the song’s identity.
It’s silly, for sure, but it knows that and asks you to enjoy its silliness with it. There’s a world of difference between being accidentally corny and intentionally playful and Clark treads the former’s path with confident stride.
The song itself unfolds with the emotional accuracy of a holiday documentary. It starts with the frantic energy of escape from the mundane before dissolving into easy afternoons spent by the water, long, languid stretches of sun where responsibilities are momentarily suspended. Rather than simply rehashing generic beach imagery until the runtime is up, however, Clark doesn’t shy away from the unpleasant truth many summer hits gloss over: all holidays come to an end. As the track draws to a close, the hesitant journey home begins, complete with the sound of airplanes that many initially confuse with crashing waves-a rather smart sonic choice that blurs the lines between reality and recollection.
Clark has always emphasized the power of storytelling over chasing the next big trend and “Anuther Sunny Hulliday” aligns perfectly with that principle. The song is featured on his latest album, Notes Two, with the Croydon-based musician remaining hands-on with the writing, composing and production of his work.
“Anuther Sunny Hulliday” won’t win over the hardened cynics who believe novelty and sincerity can never be mutually inclusive. But for the rest of us, it’s an irresistibly catchy reminder that sometimes the best summer songs aren’t the ones that are necessarily cool. If anything, they’re just the ones that get stuck in your head before you’ve even realized it.
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About the Author
A tenured media critic known working as a ghost writer, freelance critic for various publications around the world, the former lead writer of review blogspace Atop The Treehouse and content creator for Manila Bulletin.
