Cliff and Susan, the dynamic husband-and-wife country music duo, have carved a unique niche in the music industry with their authentic sound and heartfelt lyrics. Their latest single, “Waiting on You,” showcases their undeniable chemistry, blending country, rock, blues, and soul into a rich, soulful ballad. From recording at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals to navigating the joys and challenges of a shared life in music, Cliff and Susan’s journey is as inspiring as their songs.
The Soul Behind “Waiting on You”
“Waiting on You” is more than just a song; it’s a journey of patience, love, and destiny. Cliff and Susan describe the track as having a blend of New Orleans spirit and Muscle Shoals soul. “The song itself is about letting the right person find you where you are in life,” they explain. Its inspiration is deeply personal, reflecting their belief in love’s serendipity—a theme that resonates not only in the lyrics but also in their own love story.
The Magic of FAME Studios
Recording at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals brought an added layer of authenticity and history to “Waiting on You.” The experience, as Cliff and Susan recount, was unforgettable. From playing the same Wurlitzer that graced Aretha Franklin’s iconic “I Never Loved a Man” to standing in the very bathroom where Keith Richards charted “Wild Horses,” every corner of FAME Studios seemed to hum with magic. This atmosphere infused their music with a timeless quality, paying homage to the legends who came before them.
“The magic of the place was undeniable,” they share, and it’s evident in the track’s soulful undertones and impeccable production.
Love and Harmony: A Musical Partnership
Cliff and Susan’s personal and professional lives are seamlessly intertwined, and their chemistry as a couple shines through in their music. “It’s the most rewarding feeling to create music with the person you love,” they say. Writing and performing together allows them to blend their individual stories into one cohesive narrative—a rewarding challenge that adds depth to their songs.
“Waiting on You” particularly benefits from this dynamic, as the duet showcases their ability to harmonize not only musically but emotionally, drawing listeners into their shared journey.
Collaborating with Legends
For “Waiting on You,” Cliff and Susan worked with some of the industry’s finest musicians. These legendary collaborators brought their expertise and energy to the project, elevating the final sound. “Playing with great musicians really makes everything easier,” they explain. “When you are working with legends and professionals, everything is like a puzzle piece that fits together perfectly.”
This collaborative energy is palpable in the song’s polished yet heartfelt production, a testament to the power of working with seasoned artists.
Building on Momentum
“Waiting on You” follows the success of their previous single, a cover of Van Morrison’s classic “Into the Mystic,” which charted well in both the U.S. and U.K. Cliff and Susan see “Waiting on You” as a natural progression from this achievement, allowing them to expand their audience while staying true to their artistic vision.
The strategic release of “Into the Mystic” not only showcased their versatility but also set the stage for the original depth of “Waiting on You.” The duo hopes listeners come away from the song feeling inspired by its themes of patience and destiny in love.
Themes Rooted in Their Love Story
The lyrics of “Waiting on You” reflect the couple’s personal journey, drawing directly from their experiences. Both Cliff and Susan had reached a point where they had “given up” on finding love before they met. Their story became a testament to the idea of letting love find you when the time is right—a sentiment beautifully captured in the song’s tender, hopeful tone.
Balancing Live Performances and Studio Craft
As multi-instrumentalists, Cliff and Susan bring a unique energy to both live performances and studio recordings. Performing most often as a duo, they focus on creating a full sound with just two voices, piano/left-hand bass, guitar, and a drum machine. This minimalist yet powerful setup allows them to recreate their studio sound live without compromising quality.
A Genre-Spanning Sound
Cliff and Susan’s music defies strict categorization, blending elements of country, rock, blues, and soul. This genre-bending approach is a reflection of their diverse influences, which they embrace wholeheartedly. “Even if it doesn’t always sound just country or just blues, it will always have a little bit of all our influences,” they explain. This artistic freedom allows each song to lean into the mood and story it wants to tell, creating a discography that is as varied as it is cohesive.
Looking Ahead
With “Waiting on You,” Cliff and Susan continue to solidify their place in the music world as a duo whose authenticity and talent resonate with audiences everywhere. Their unique sound, combined with their shared passion for storytelling, ensures that their journey is one to watch—and to listen to.
As they harmonize on and off the stage, Cliff and Susan remind us that the best music comes from the heart, and the best love stories often write themselves.
