Something Strange by Robert O'Connor
“Something Strange” is the jewel in the crown of 'Swimming Against The Tide' — the final song written for the album and the track that confirmed to Robert and producer Gareth Shortland that the record was finally complete. From its earliest demo, the song carried a kind of emotional gravity that crystallised the themes the era had been circling: awakening, recognition, and the moment the tide turns within you.
Critically acclaimed upon release, “Something Strange” quickly became a cornerstone of Robert’s catalogue — praised for its cinematic scope, lyrical depth, and the way it bridges classic synth-pop melancholy with modern electronic atmosphere. Its title lyric became the name of the album it completed for a reason: this song is the emotional centrepoint of the entire campaign.
The Album Version, produced by Gareth Shortland, unfolds like a realisation in slow motion — beginning in intimate reflection before rising into a sweeping, synth-driven finale. It’s both vulnerable and triumphant, capturing a moment of dawning truth.
The Extended Mix, co-produced by Robert, Gareth, and Jordan Arteaga, expands the song into a widescreen emotional journey. Built with patience and precision, it feels like the track discovering its own power — a full-length ascent into clarity.
For 'Night Tides: The Chillout Collection', Jordan reimagined the track with a completely different emotional lens. Inspired by Robert’s experience seeing Coldplay live — looking around the stadium and recognising a shared, mutual transcendence — this version aims to “bottle” that feeling. It’s urgent yet airy, shimmering with live-energy percussion, bright synth surges, and a euphoric, heart-racing lift. More than a chillout version, it feels like the rush of blood to the head that happens when music, emotion, and community collide.
The Acoustic Version strips everything away, leaving voice, melody, and raw feeling. It’s intimate, immediate, and exposes the song’s lyrical honesty in its purest form — proving the writing itself is as strong as the production.
Together, these versions showcase the full emotional and sonic spectrum of “Something Strange” — from cinematic and expansive to urgent and euphoric to quietly introspective — capturing why it has become one of Robert’s most defining works.
Tracklist
Credits
Written by:
Robert O’Connor & Gareth Shortland
Produced by:
Tracks 1 & 5 — Gareth Shortland
Tracks 2 & 6 — Gareth Shortland, Robert O’Connor & Jordan Arteaga
Tracks 3, 4, 7 & 8 — Jordan Arteaga
Mastered by:
Sage Audio
License
All rights reserved.Tags
Irish singer/songwriter Robert O’Connor blends ’80s synth-pop with modern electronic sounds. His 2024 album 'Swimming Against The Tide' earned praise for catchy melodies and sleek production. Known for introspective lyrics and lush arrangements, he also released 'Night Tides: The Chillout Collection', showcasing his passion for chillout music and creative versatility.