Reviewed by Veronika van der Walt.

Irish singer-songwriter Shirley Callaghan writes unapologetically from the heart, channeling loss, disappointment, personal betrayal and pressing societal issues into poignant melodic memoirs that cut through the noise of modern existence. Her music does not simply entertain — it confronts. It questions. It lingers.

Influenced by iconic artists such as Kate Bush, Sinéad O’Connor, PJ Harvey, Bob Dylan and Michael Stipe, Shirley carries a literary and emotionally fearless quality in her songwriting. She has also been favourably compared to Dolores O’Riordan, with Fanbase Music Magazine describing her as “One of the best musicians to come out of Ireland since The Cranberries.” That comparison feels justified — not because she imitates, but because she possesses the same emotional intensity and haunting sincerity.

Having already explored themes of human behaviour, narcissism, war, genocide and psychological manipulation in previous releases such as “It Will Be Burned” and “Baby Blue,” Shirley continues that fearless introspection in Fake Love (Rock Version) — but this time with sharper edges.

While the earlier version carried an upbeat tone, the rock version leans into something far more aggressive and raw. The guitars are stronger, more urgent, almost confrontational. They do not decorate the song — they drive it. There is tension in the riffs, a restless undercurrent that mirrors the emotional exhaustion expressed in the lyrics.

Lines like “Behind these swollen eyes” and “I don’t wanna feel so tired” expose vulnerability without romanticising it. You can hear the anger simmering beneath the surface, but also the weariness of someone who has loved deeply and been left questioning reality. The repetition of “Fake love”becomes less of a chorus and more of an accusation — a calling out of emotional deception.

What stands out most to me is the psychological layer. The lyric “What are you really like?” feels like the breaking point — the moment illusion collapses and truth demands to be seen. In a world increasingly shaped by curated personas and emotional manipulation, this question carries weight. The warning embedded in “Tempted like the one before you” feels directed not only at the narcissist, but also at future victims — a subtle but powerful reminder to recognise patterns before history repeats itself.

Musically, the rock arrangement amplifies the song’s message. It feels less polished and more exposed — which works beautifully. The rawness makes the emotion believable. It’s not just a song about fake love; it sounds like someone fighting their way out of it.

Release date: 13 February 2026

Written by Shirley Callaghan

Produced by David P. Pepper (Spirit of Digniti)

For me, this version elevates the song from reflective to defiant. It doesn’t just describe the damage caused by narcissism — it resists it. And that resistance makes it powerful.

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Listen here:

Fake Love – Rock Remix – song and lyrics by Shirley Callaghan | Spotify

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