SINGLE REVIEW: MAKIE FEAT. SHAWN MULLINS - WILL YOU LOVE ME WHEN
- CHRIS FARLIE
- 38 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Produced and co written by Brian Collins who will be appearing at Country Calling 2026 in his performing role, is the latest single from Makie, "Will You Love Me When" which features a guest appearance from Shawn Mullins. If you are looking for a warm southern soul sound then surely there is no better place to check in than Brian's Real To Reel studios in Georgia.
From the very off there's a welcoming warmth from the rich organ sound, the guitar is beautifully picked out while the percussion remains steady, solid yet relatively unobtrusive.
It sets the scene perfectly for Makie to lyrically pose a number of questions, her voice seeking reassurance that the response will still be positive as time passes by.
"Will you love me when I'm no good and then
When grace is wearing thin will you love me when
Will you hold me close, when I feel so exposed
Tell you all of my woes will you hold me close?"
For the chorus, additional vocals appear from Shawn Mullins, famous for his his mega hit "Lullaby" and for UK American fans also for his production work with Callaghan.
"Don't leave me on the dark side of your heart
Forgiveness seems a damn fine place to start
A man like you can light up my world
When darkness closes in
So tell me babe - will you love me when?"
It is only on the second verse that the familiar gravelly quality of Shawn's vocals truly become apparent, as he poses a series of questions of his own. He appears to be the more apologetic of the two, admitting that he is prone to needing forgiveness, while still very much appreciating the relationship that he has, he all but wishes she could have someone more deserving. That lived in voice seems to make the words resonate more
"Will you be a friend when I'm losing to sin?
You're my addiction till the end - will you be a friend?
And I wish it wasn't me, God knows I'm sorry
Can it be what is used to be? I wish it wasn't me"
As the second chorus comes round there are more and more instruments to be picked out - the mandolin and banjo coming to the fore being the most noticeable.
The song seems to approach its final moments with a full two minutes to spare - this allows time for Makie and Shawn to freestyle different variations of "Will you love me, will you love me, will you love me when" over an increasingly honky tonkin' piano and rocking guitar.
Things finally close with the pair exchanging "I love you's" and the band finally being brought to a shuddering close. A great song that not only showcases Makie but also some of the amazing work Brian is doing at Reel to Real Studios. We will be keeping a close eye on all the music coming from the studio.
Brian Collins will be appearing at Country Calling 2026 Chelmsford 14th -16th August.
