Rising 22-year-old South-African singer-songwriter Will Linley shares a brand new single entitled “First Love” out now via Island Records. It heralds the arrival of his anxiously awaited full-length debut album, Don’t Cry Because It’s Over, on September 5th. Listen to “>“First Love” HERE. Pre-order/Pre-save Don’t Cry Because It’s Over HERE.
On the track, softly strummed acoustic guitar underscores his dynamic delivery. At the same time, dreamy keys accent a solid backbeat. Throughout the verses, he recalls all of the “firsts” that just didn’t work out—yet still taught him an invaluable lesson or two. “Oh, keys are on the counter, wish I could’ve found her a couple of years later instead, I’m sorry that you had to be my first love.”
Will elaborates, “I wrote ‘First Love’ at the end of my first breakup. The song captures the questions in your head after a relationship. I had to come to terms with the fact that my first girlfriend had to put up with me learning how to love. I’ve come to realize the first time you do anything, you don’t get it right. Sadly, that includes love.”
Don’t Cry Because It’s Over captures the whole arc of first love – from its hopeful beginnings to its quiet endings. Blending introspective storytelling with polished pop production, the album moves through themes of connection, heartbreak, nostalgia, and growth. Influenced by the emotional realism of classic romantic comedies, the project offers a globally minded take on modern relationships. Across 12 tracks, Linley combines heartfelt lyricism with vibrant melodies, creating a debut that’s both personal and universally relatable.
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