Not many people are able to master playing the piano solely by ear. For most, this instrument is associated with sheet music, scales, and long hours of practice. But there are musicians who choose the path of trusting their own ear and inner rhythm. They sit at the keys without cheat sheets or instructions, letting the melody be born at the very moment their fingers touch the piano. Today I want to introduce you to a remarkable musician. Meet Samer Fanek, born and raised in Amman, Jordan, now living in the United States.
As a teenager, he fell in love with music and taught himself to play the piano. Without knowing music theory, he explored various programs for making music, experimented with sounds, and even recreated favorite songs he heard on the radio – and gradually, his own style and talent for composing began to take shape. In his works, he blends Western orchestral themes with rock, pop, Arabic motifs, and electronic elements. Over the course of his career, Samer has released five studio albums, including the recent “Forever Elsewhere” (2025), and has earned international acclaim – among it, awards from the Great American Song Contest and the Global Music Awards. His compositions are listened to by millions, and his live performances attract audiences both in the U.S. and around the world.
I want to share my impressions of his latest release, the album “Forever Elsewhere.” For Samer Fanek, this is a very personal work. It explores the feeling of when happiness, answers, and clarity seem out of reach, yet hope remains that things will get better. At first, he hesitated to release the album, since it touches on difficult moments and personal struggles. But Samer realized that music conveying such states of being can give listeners a sense of understanding and support. The pieces on the album are melodic, though at times they slip into drama and a touch of melancholy. The piano intertwines with orchestral colors and rock energy – and with each new piece this sound opens up more vividly. The release of ten tracks begins with the contemplative title piece “Forever Elsewhere.” The melody sounds fresh, with engaging riffs and improvisations softly woven into the arrangements, confident drumming, violins – all combining into a sophisticated work. This tendency continues in “Glass Half Empty,” where the mastery of tonal palette and expressive delivery are especially evident. Samer’s calm, steady play allows the full beauty of the composition to unfold. Subtly woven strings and percussion add to its intensity.
One standout is “Fleeting Struggle,” where Arabic motifs are clearly heard. The accelerated tempo, rhythmic percussion “stabs,” and sharp string strokes convey a sense of anxious tension. The music gives no rest; it keeps the listener on edge and makes one live through this short but powerful moment together with the composer. In “Toward the Unknown” and “Caught in Circles,” I believe the author finds balance between sadness and hope. The main instrument is the piano, reinforced with powerful orchestral arrangements. Together they create a rich, multilayered sound that also comes to the forefront in “Restless” and “Endlessly Lost.” Here, classical meets contemporary in the most appealing way. “Restless” brings lively, energetic piano backed by electronic rhythms and pop melodies, channeling restlessness, energy, and drive. “Endlessly Lost,” in turn, begins with a soft, dreamy atmosphere that gradually rises into powerful rock pressure. Gentle piano lines blend with electronic textures, while strings take the listener into a reflective journey of thought. Altogether, these pieces are easy to listen to and present a beautiful mix of styles and moods.
Another highlight of the album is “Inner Collapse” – a purely piano piece that feels sincere and vulnerable. I think it perfectly conveys the moment when music becomes the voice of the soul. At times the melody gathers dramatic force, other times it falls into stillness, leaving space for reflection. That idea is continued in “Scar Away” – a composition about overcoming and inner healing. Its foundation is, of course, the piano, joined by violins, drums, winds, and electronic elements, producing a cinematic sound. The music expresses a journey from pain to strength, transforming scars of the past into a source of inspiration. The final composition, “One Last Try,” is the most powerful and emotional peak of the album. Within it, one hears both the sadness of farewell and inner resilience. The melody paints an image of a final step, an attempt suffused with both despair and hope. Violins gradually join the piano: sometimes gently supporting the melody, other times raising the emotional intensity toward a climax. Percussion introduces its rhythm gradually, announcing inner strength and a readiness to carry on till the end.
Samer Fanek strives to give listeners vivid musical moments – whether through headphones or on stage. In his new album “Forever Elsewhere,” he hopes that everyone will recognize a fragment of their own story in the music and find something meaningful in it. For him, that is the main measure of success. He believes that the openness and vulnerability of this work will strengthen his bond with the audience.
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