Returning from a hiatus since 2009, Canadian artist Gary Beals is set to release his third studio album Bleed My Truth this year. Raised in the predominantly black rural community of Cherry Brook, Nova Scotia, Beals honed his vocal chops in the church and went on to finish second place on the first season of Canadian Idol. His eponymous debut album cracked the Canadian Top 10.

On comeback single ‘Me For Me’ – an R&B ballad – Beals questions the extent to which he should forfeit his identity to appease a romantic partner. He says: ‘The song was ultimately inspired by my own dating experiences that often times fell short without me even realizing why. There were times when I would fixate on why things ended, reminiscing about the good AND the bad asking myself “how could you not take me for me?”. I wanted ”Me For Me” to get listeners questioning the risk vs. reward we all face in the search of true love, and how far would we really go for that love.‘

Though guilty of some rote production, the track has a strong, emotional thrust. Beals’ vocals shine, particularly as he gets gritty in the second half.