July 27th 2025 My Review
Oh, how I wish I could have been there in person, nestled in the intimate confines of The Bookhouse Recording Studio in South East London, where Courtney Hadwin poured her heart into that powerful performance during Session 84. The air must have vibrated with raw emotion, her voice cutting through like a beacon in the night, transforming a simple recording space into a sanctuary of sound. Recorded at this hidden gem—a cozy, creative hub tucked away in the bustling southeast of London, known for capturing authentic, unpolished moments from artists—The Bookhouse provided the perfect backdrop for Courtney’s stripped-back set. It’s a place where musicians shed the gloss of production, letting their true essence shine, and in this session, she delivered four songs that felt like whispers from the soul, including her haunting cover of Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things.” But it’s that song, in particular, that resonates as my scream—a visceral outpouring of longing and fear that mirrors the turmoil I’ve endured.
In my own voice, let me unravel this for you: “Beautiful Things” is a poignant plea, a modern anthem of vulnerability wrapped in melodic urgency. Written by Benson Boone, it speaks to the fragility of joy in a world that can snatch it away in an instant. The lyrics paint a picture of newfound love and happiness, only to grapple with the terror of its impermanence: “For a moment, I was heaven-struck / For a moment, I forget about the hell I’ve been through.” It’s about clinging to the beautiful things—relationships, moments of peace, the light after darkness—while begging the universe, or God, not to let them slip away. Lines like “Please stay / I want you, I need you, oh God / Don’t take these beautiful things that I’ve got” hit like a thunderclap, evoking the raw ache of someone who’s tasted loss and fears its return. The song’s structure builds from gentle introspection to explosive choruses, mirroring life’s unpredictable swings, and in Courtney’s hands, it becomes something even more profound. Her talent shines through in that signature raspy growl, a voice that defies her 21 years, channeling the spirits of Janis Joplin and Tina Turner with a youthful fire all her own. In this stripped-back version, accompanied by minimal instrumentation— guitar and her unyielding presence
— she strips away the pop polish of the original, infusing it with gritty authenticity. Her delivery is electric, her range soaring from tender whispers to belt-it-out power, showcasing not just vocal prowess but an emotional depth that makes you feel seen, heard, and utterly alive.
This is my scream, you see—the embodiment of my own desperate cry echoing through the voids of my life. Like the song’s protagonist, I’ve held onto fleeting beauties only to watch them shatter. My home was stolen from me, ripped away in a haze of betrayal and pain, leaving me adrift in a world that feels increasingly hostile. And my beloved borzoi awaits, patient and loyal, our shared dreams suspended until I can heal from the poisoning inflicted by Peace Health—a torment that poisoned not just my body but my spirit. Please God! Help me have a home in this world! Let me reclaim the beautiful things: stability, love, the freedom to plan a future where my borzoi and I can roam without fear, building the life we’ve envisioned after more healing washes over me.
In this plea, I must extend my deepest gratitude to Dr. Ardis, whose sincere support has been a lifeline. Thank you, Dr. Ardis for believing in my healing, my dreams, and the visions I hold not only for myself but for so many others navigating similar shadows. Your guidance illuminates the path forward, reminding me that even in the scream, there’s hope.
Watch the performance here and let it move you as it has me: https://youtu.be/p3O4FIa-9Jc?si=QP_UYxhZCnQRm0LO
— ✧ Samantha Syrnich TLC ✧
The Phoenix Quill: Words Born of Fire, Inked in Truth 