Once one half of the soul duo Charles & Eddie (best known for their hit “Would I Lie to You?”), Eddie Chacon spent decades out of the spotlight before returning to music a few years ago with the John Carroll Kirby-produced Pleasure, Joy and Happiness (2020) and Sundown (2023), two albums that proved he’s more than simply a nostalgic figure. On his newest album, Lay Low, Chacon teams up with Nick Hakim to deliver a deeply personal yet universally resonant collection of tracks that invite you to sit back, relax, and reflect.
From the opening notes of “Good Sun,” you’re pulled into Chacon’s world. The gentle bells and soft percussion feel like the first light of day, and his lyrics about searching for hope in the midst of loss hit with quiet power. Then there’s “Let You Go,” a heartbreaker of a song. Chacon’s voice aches in all the right ways, backed by dreamy keys and subtle echoes.
The title track, “Lay Low,” is another standout. It’s so simple, so catchy—it’ll worm its way into your head and refuse to leave. The production is intimate, almost weightless, like the song was designed for late-night listening. And “Birds,” with its hazy piano and airy textures, might be the most serene moment on the album. It’s like Hakim and Chacon are guiding you into a state of total calm.
But Lay Low isn’t just about soothing vibes. Tracks like “Let the Devil In” dig deeper into darker emotions, with discordant sounds and a sense of restless tension. Chacon’s delivery here feels raw, almost pleading, as if he’s wrestling with something he can’t quite shake. And when the album closes with “If I Ever Let You Go,” it’s like a bittersweet goodbye, drenched in nostalgia and longing.At its core, Lay Low is a quiet triumph. It’s reflective and unassuming, but it stays with you long after it ends. Eddie Chacon proves once again that he doesn’t need flash or fanfare to make an impact—just honesty, soul, and the kind of songs you’ll want to revisit over and over.
Listen/buy: Apple Music | Bandcamp | Spotify
