Hey, music lovers! If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the bittersweet cycle of falling for someone who’s just not right for you, Nick Howe’s “I Only Ever Lose” is about to hit you right in the feels. This London-based singer-songwriter’s latest single, a soulful blend of Adult Contemporary and Singer-Songwriter vibes, is a raw, relatable anthem that’s as therapeutic as it is catchy. Let’s dive into why this track is a must-add to your playlist and get to know the multi-talented artist behind it.
A Poignant Tale of Unrequited Love
“I Only Ever Lose” is a softly powerful track that captures the ache of loving someone who doesn’t love you back. The song opens with gentle acoustic guitar strums and Nick’s emotive vocals, which Alfitude describes as having a “grounded folk sound.” At around 80 BPM in a minor key, the tempo is slow and deliberate, letting the lyrics breathe as they paint a picture of heartbreak and self-reflection. The chorus swells with subtle harmonies and a warm, organic arrangement, building to an emotional peak that’s both cathartic and understated.
Lyrically, the song dives deep into the struggle of chasing someone toxic, with lines that feel like pages torn from a diary. Nick’s ability to craft “completely original” songs, as praised by legendary songwriter Les Reed OBE, shines through in his poignant storytelling. The production, likely influenced by his work with heavyweights like Iain Archer (James Bay, Snow Patrol), keeps things intimate yet polished, perfect for fans of artists like Ed Sheeran or Passenger. Whether you’re nursing a broken heart or just craving a soulful tune, “I Only Ever Lose” is a track that resonates, making it ideal for playlists like Acoustic Chill or Singer-Songwriter Essentials 2025.
Who Is Nick Howe? A Relentless Talent with Heart
Nick Howe is no newcomer to the music scene, but his fresh, heartfelt approach keeps him feeling like a discovery. Hailing from a 200-year lineage of entertainers, including May Warden from Dinner for One, this London-based artist is a born performer. With a career spanning over 200 gigs a year across 15 countries, including sold-out shows at venues like Cargo and The Natural History Museum, Nick’s stage presence is undeniable. His performances, often featuring a world-class beatboxer and violinist, are described as “completely unique,” blending folk, pop, and indie elements with a theatrical flair.
Since his debut EP Struggle Is Real hit No. 1 on the iTunes Singer-Songwriter presale charts in 2016, Nick has racked up syncs with Cadbury’s and Angry Birds, performed at Glastonbury and SXSW, and even acted in ITV’s Lewis. His knack for turning minor opportunities into major milestones, as noted by Fame Mag for his “heart and soul,” is evident in creative projects like the innovative video for “It Belongs To Her,” which rallied 35 dancers worldwide. Nick’s music is his therapy, processing emotions through killer hooks, and “I Only Ever Lose” continues his tradition of raw, relatable songwriting.
Why “I Only Ever Lose” Fits the 2025 Music Scene
Adult Contemporary and Singer-Songwriter genres are thriving in 2025, with artists like Sofia Camara (Was I(t) Worth It? EP) and Autumn Nicholas (Baggage) leading a wave of emotionally driven storytelling, as seen in AllMusic and Country Universe reviews. “I Only Ever Lose” taps into this trend, offering introspective lyrics and acoustic warmth that align with the genre’s focus on authenticity, as highlighted by Nagamag’s praise for Nick’s “deep and full of emotion” vocals in his earlier track “Crash.” Its theme of unrequited love resonates with 2025’s cultural emphasis on mental health and self-awareness, making it a timely anthem for listeners navigating complex emotions.
The song’s folk-pop sensibilities also fit the resurgence of acoustic-driven music, seen in playlists like Spotify’s Singer-Songwriter 2025 (over 100K saves) and Apple Music’s Acoustic Hits. Nick’s ability to blend traditional folk with modern production, as noted in York Calling’s review of his “folktronic” track “Hanging By A Thread,” positions “I Only Ever Lose” as a bridge between classic and contemporary sounds. With his relentless touring and innovative live shows, Nick is poised to make waves in the Adult Contemporary scene.
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Let’s Talk “I Only Ever Lose”!
“I Only Ever Lose” by Nick Howe is a soul-stirring Adult Contemporary track that captures the pain and beauty of unrequited love. With its heartfelt lyrics, grounded folk sound, and Nick’s expressive vocals, it’s a song that feels like therapy for the heart. As he continues to build his already impressive career, Nick proves he’s a frontman with plenty of heart and soul.
What do you think of “I Only Ever Lose”? Are the lyrics hitting home, or is Nick’s vocal delivery stealing the show? Drop your thoughts in the comments and share this post with your music-loving friends! Check out the official video on YouTube or stream it on Spotify.
