New York’s Rachael Sage returns with more radiance than ever on her latest single, ‘The Best Version’, offering a luminous glimpse into her forthcoming album, ‘Canopy’, due out October 24th. Blending chamber-pop brilliance with classic songwriting sensibility, Sage once again showcases her thoughtful artistry in this reflection on a world dominated by tiny screens.
‘The Best Version’ is a gradually euphoric and uplifting track that reflects on the duality of social media – its power to connect and its potential to provoke anxiety and self-doubt. Sage channels this theme with her trademark emotional vulnerability, pairing driving, arpeggiated piano lines with a shimmering, cinematic soundscape. Contributions from Grammy® Award-winning cellist Dave Eggar and violinist Kelly Halloran add rich, orchestral depth, making the track feel both intimate and sweeping.
The accompanying video, filmed in a striking London black-box theatre, amplifies the song’s reflective tone. Sage commands the frame in vivid crimson, accompanied by Halloran and harmonica virtuoso Will Wilde, creating a visual and musical ensemble that feels both cohesive and exquisitely fractured. The clip mirrors the song’s lyrical tension – balancing self-doubt with fleeting moments of blissful imagination – while showcasing Sage’s gift for transforming introspection into art that feels universally relatable.
Sage’s own reflections on the single underscore its emotional depth: witnessing the effects of social media on friends and fans inspired a vision of an off-the-grid, night-sky perspective – a space where self-reflection, human connection, and wonder coexist. It’s a perspective that feels both timely and timeless, resonating with anyone navigating the intricate currents of modern life.
The track’s emotional nuance, paired with its soaring chamber-pop arrangements, positions her as a masterful storyteller – one who balances whimsy, reflection, and profound human truth with effortless grace. Fans of Alanis Morissette, Sinéad O’Connor, or the introspective pop-folk of Sarah McLachlan and Rufus Wainwright will find themselves drawn to this track, which entertains as much as it resonates.
‘The Best Version’ is both a celebration of self-awareness and a gentle reminder that the pursuit of our best selves is ongoing – and beautifully human.