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Working on this summer’s hand-out-the-window, road-trip-to-the-beach playlist? I’ve got a song for you.

Nick Wagen’s “I Want Your Love” is a sunny heartache anthem, dewy-eyed in all the best ways. Elements of indie rock icons glimmer in the track: the summery melancholy of Peach Pit's reverb-laden textures, catchy Two Door Cinema Club-esque guitar riffs, and offhand vocals similar to Wallows. It rides the breeze of beachy, surf-rock leisure but is grounded by Wagen’s softhearted lyricism and alt-pop vocals. “I’ve said it once before, this feeling in my chest breaks my heart / but I don’t really care, I want your love...,” he coos.

For some listeners, “I Want Your Love” will be the perfect addition to their indie rock road trip playlist. For others, it’ll be the anthem to their summer fling heartbreak. It riffs off the classic indie rock trick of a vibe-able track camouflaging its emotion-driven meaning. The vocal delivery is casual, feigning nonchalance in its conversational tone and pop melodies, but builds to reveal Wagen’s heartache with support from the arrangement. The lyrics of the bridge are the perfect example of this, tumbling through repetitions of “I don’t need your love” until the charade crumbles and Wagen defaults to “I need your love,” unveiling the desperation behind the shimmering guitars and lively beat.

As Nick Wagen’s fourth single in 2023, “I Want Your Love” points to an impending larger project from the Indiana-born artist. The breezy track and nostalgic story will be leaving listeners craving an album-length batch of similarly summer-ready tunes.

Listen to "I Want Your Love" below: