Sometimes a song doesnโt just play, it reminds, and Stray Blueโs โWake Up & Smileโ does exactly that. Released on July 18, 2025, as part of their acoustic EP Wake Up & Smile, this track feels like a heartfelt letter written with a guitar and a sunrise. Rooted in the warmth of Chania, Greece, and carried by 20 years of camaraderie and craft, the bandโs legacy hums through every note.
From the first strum, โWake Up & Smileโ wraps you up in crisp acoustic chords that sparkle like morning light over the Mediterranean. The rhythm is light and catchy, yet it carries a thoughtful kind of weight. Nick Anastasakisโ vocals trail with a slightly weathered tone, telling a story that admits to sadness without wallowing. Meanwhile, soft โOooโ harmonies float in the background like gentle waves, and the percussion splashes and bustles just enough to keep things moving forward. On top of it all, the clarity of the 12-string guitar and unique tuning adds something specialโitโs as if the song is smiling with you, not just for you.
This song relates to that bittersweet moment when life doesnโt play out the way you planned, but you find the strength to breathe it in and smile anyway. But Stray Blue isnโt just coasting on nostalgia. Even after their last official gig in 2011, theyโre still evolving, with members branching out across cities like Thessaloniki, Los Angeles, and New York. Their reach is wide, but their roots stay close to home. And with the lush, cinematic depth of their other track โMoody Skyโ featuring Yoed Nir, itโs clear this release isnโt just about looking back. Itโs about staying true, sounding fresh, and gently nudging us to keep waking up with hope.
Check out the music video of โWake Up & Smileโ on YouTube.
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Review by: Naomi Joan