NEW RETRO

Intro by: Gail Nobles
Cover: Spotify Promo Card
In Courtesy of Penrose/Daptone Records

Can I Call You Rose?

In a refreshing twist to the music scene, Three Sacred Souls, a soul trio based in San Diego, made a splash with their debut single “Can I Call You Rose?” The song hit the airwaves on March 18, 2020, and quickly became a favorite, showcasing the unique sound of the band that formed just a year prior.

What Makes the Song Special?

The track is special for a few reasons. It was the very first song created by the founding members: Josh Lane, who leads with vocals; Alex Garcia on drums; and Sal Samano on bass. Their shared passion for music and soul influences shone through in this heartfelt piece. When you listen, you can feel the soulful vibes that are reminiscent of old school hits from the 1960s, infused with a touch of the Chicano soul sound native to California.

The lyrics of “Can I Call You Rose?” offer a touching look at love and admiration. Josh Lane, the band's singer, cleverly uses the metaphor of a rose to express how he feels about someone special. He describes this person as “sweet like a flower in bloom,” but also acknowledges that, like a rose with thorns, they have some defenses that protect their heart. This blend of sweetness and complexity gives the song its bittersweet flavor, making it relatable to anyone who has navigated the ups and downs of love.

The song connected with people and soon went viral, racking up over 87 million streams on Spotify by late 2024.

You’re listening to the Cat Bear. I’m your host, Gail Nobles.

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