Grief is a difficult topic for many people. It’s something so intensely personal. Almost a taboo, especially during the holidays. For a band to be able to create a song that perfectly embodies the feeling of grief in a way that feels both universal and personal is a wonder. But that’s exactly what New New Girlfriend has done with their newest song I Haven’t Forgotten.

This song is a heartfelt trip down memory lane for band and listener, but especially for Griffin Burns as he reminisces about times with his late Grandfather. It’s a very smartly crafted song. Having Griffin sing the verses, he is telling us his story. Then Kylen comes in with the chorus and we get the patented New New Girlfriend harmonies. It’s beautiful. It’s masterful, especially with that storytelling. The lyrics paint the most vivid picture of this man. A generous, witty artist. Everything that he and Kylen sing about are tailored specifically for Griffin’s memories.

But it doesn’t feel that way. The memories are so full of love and fondness that I imagine anyone who has ever suffered a loss can insert themselves into the story. Which I think is exactly what NNG was going for. For me personally, I can imagine my late father and my late grandmother in equal parts. And what a gift that is. To be able to have this vessel to remember two people that I love so much.

And that’s not the only gift that this band has given listeners with this song. Before it was released, before it was even finished, they put out a call for photos of loved ones. The intention was to put these pictures in a music video. Boy did they deliver. It is the most visually stunning tribute of love and care that I have ever seen. Situated in a cozy living room, the band (Plus their amazing live show drummer and bassist! Love those guys) plays through the song. But as the camera pans around, there are picture frames that move through these fan-submitted photos. Instant tears, even before I reached my own photo.

Griffin and Kylen said that they received upwards of 200 photos and stories from people around the world. Obviously they couldn’t fit every photo into the video, but they didn’t want people to feel left out. They wanted to honor everyone and make sure that the love was spread about. So Griffin personally made collages of the remaining photos and put them at the end of the video.

The song talks about how You had so much to give, saintly generous, it’s clear to me that Griffin inherited that trait. This song is the most beautiful, love-soaked piece of media that I have ever had the honor of consuming.

It is everything that I needed, that I know so many people needed. So to Griffin, to Kylen, thank you so much for creating this masterpiece. You are going to heal the hearts of so many people.