Cris Cap And Tyla Raé Deliver A Devastatingly Beautiful Tribute With 'Gone Too Soon' That Redefines Emotional Storytelling
- STAFF
- Apr 26
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 29
By: Staff
Unforgettable and soul-stirring, Gone Too Soon is a masterclass in vulnerability and vocal brilliance.
We’ve long been admirers of Cris Cap and his thoughtful, often soul-stirring releases. His latest EP, Gone Too Soon, is no exception, though this one lands especially heavy. The title track carries with it the unshakable weight of real grief, written in honor of a 17-year-old lost far too early. Cris composed this song as a gift to a friend enduring unimaginable loss, and it’s clear from the first few notes that it’s rooted in a place of deep compassion and care. There’s something incredibly powerful about using music as a vessel for healing, and in this case, Cris does exactly that, offering something as close to comfort as a song can give in the face of the unthinkable.
The title track, “Gone Too Soon” opens with a tender synth bed and a soft, ghost-like rhythm that lays the groundwork for Tyla Raé’s stunning vocal entrance. Her voice is smooth, stirring, and deeply expressive, drawing you into the story within seconds. When we found out there was a lyric visualizer on YouTube, we watched it immediately and it added even more emotional weight. The lyrics don’t just tell a story, they transport you into the ache itself:
“In the night the stars ain’t bright no more. Empty streets I hear an angel’s call Gone too soon, left without a trace Tears fall down, I’ll never see your face.”
These lines are devastating, but also poetic in a way that lets empathy rise to the surface. They don’t shy away from the pain, but instead guide it gently into something shared, something understood. The songwriting feels like a lifeline thrown into a storm, one that doesn’t fix the wreckage, but at least offers a place to hold on.
Tyla Raé’s voice is breathtaking. Her R&B influence is clear, but her range and phrasing lift it beyond genre and into something timeless. The way she flows from a soft falsetto into a fuller, resonant belt is extraordinary, and it mirrors the emotional journey of the song. Every note carries a sense of sorrow and love that’s impossible to ignore. You feel the connection she and Cris Cap have to the song, not just in the words but in the delivery itself. The vocals are the tears. The pain, the tribute, the resilience, it’s all in the sound.
The musical arrangement behind her is beautifully restrained, letting the message take the spotlight. There’s a subtle swing in the 6/8 rhythm, a delicate layering of warm Fender Rhodes keys, shimmering guitar, and cinematic strings. It all unfolds like a memory, bittersweet, fragile, but full of meaning. The ghostly percussion adds a soft pulse that’s both grounding and ethereal, making this feel less like a song and more like a sacred moment.
Visually, the video enhances the narrative with moving imagery, a young woman’s hand catching sunlight, outdoor landscapes, flashes of connection and memory. There’s something universal about those scenes, reminding us how beauty exists in the smallest things and how grief often lives in those same places. The clip of a young boy at a piano symbolizes how moments of growth, reflection, and guidance are shared between generations. It's a beautiful metaphor for the parent-child bond, and how that love never fades.
Another lyric that struck us deeply:
“The joy you brought still echoes through the halls of memory. Your spirit rides the wind and whispers of the sea. Gone too soon, but your essence lingers on in every sunrise, every new dawn.”
This is masterful writing from Cris Cap. These words don’t just express sorrow, they immortalize the person who inspired them. It’s a tribute that transforms pain into something that feels eternal. The language is poetic but accessible, tender without being fragile, and every line is etched with care.
This song is one of the most emotionally resonant pieces we’ve heard in years. It’s not just a standout track, it’s a musical moment that holds a mirror to grief and then gently lifts it toward healing. In all our time reviewing music, rarely has something landed with this level of gravity and grace. Like a doctor treating emotional wounds, Cris Cap uses his talent with incredible purpose, creating something both beautiful and necessary.
Gone Too Soon by Cris Cap and Tyla Raé is one of the most emotionally resonant and gracefully crafted songs in years
“Young Gun”
Bold, heartfelt, and endlessly replayable, Young Gun showcases Cris Cap’s lyrical fire and timeless delivery.
Also on the Gone Too Soon EP is the track “Young Gun,” which shifts into a very different emotional space but still carries that same sharp sense of detail. With a smooth throwback to 70s soft rock, the track instantly conjures the vibes of Steely Dan or Michael McDonald, yet it feels new and vibrant. Cris Cap’s production shines with warm piano lines and immaculate layering, while Hudson Hayes delivers a vocal performance that’s rich, soulful, and full of yearning. The song explores the rush of teenage longing and the messiness of trying to find connection in a chaotic world. It’s emotionally resonant but breezy, dressed in glistening guitars, tight percussion, and lush harmonies that lift it into cinematic territory. This one feels like a road trip anthem for the heart.
Young Gun by Cris Cap is a powerfully melodic anthem that blends nostalgia and confidence with cinematic flair
“Live Like My Cat (feat. Gary)”
Charming, witty, and full of groove, Live Like My Cat highlights Gary’s charisma and Cris Cap’s genre-bending genius.
Switching things up again, Cris Cap brings a lighthearted energy with “Live Like My Cat (feat. Gary),” an upbeat ode to his family cat Boomer that somehow manages to be both hilarious and kind of profound. With a playful indie-pop groove and touches of country flavor, the track paints a picture of carefree living through the eyes of a feline who has life all figured out. Nashville’s own Gary delivers a magnetic vocal with warmth and charm, adding a smooth layer of fun to the cheeky but sweet lyrics. There’s a real sense of joy here, with crisp guitars, rhythmic claps, and synth touches giving the song a contagious bounce. It’s catchy, clever, and a reminder that sometimes the best life advice comes from a furball lounging in a sunbeam.
Live Like My Cat by Cris Cap featuring Gary is a playful, infectious gem brimming with style, swagger, and originality
Cris Cap’s Gone Too Soon EP is a testament to his incredible range as a composer and collaborator. Whether he’s guiding a grieving heart toward healing, channeling vintage grooves with modern elegance, or just reminding us to chill out and embrace life like a cat, Cris shows a gift for storytelling that’s genuine and multidimensional. He knows exactly who to bring in for each track and how to elevate their strengths. His lyrical instincts and emotional intuition make him one of the most thoughtful artists we’ve come across.
We’re genuinely moved, and we can’t wait to hear what he creates next.
A classically trained pianist and accomplished arranger, Cris Cap brings a unique blend of European roots and American soul to every piece of music he creates.
Originally from Frankfurt, now based in Düsseldorf, Cris channels decades of experience into songs that feel timeless yet refreshingly honest. His musical influences run deep, shaped by jazz, funk, pop, and R&B, but what makes his work stand out is the emotional precision he brings to every note. Whether he's composing a tribute to a lost loved one or crafting a breezy tune about daily life, there's always a core of sincerity in what he does.
We're so excited to be a part of Cris Cap's journey and can’t wait to hear more from him.
Stream, playlist, and share “Gone Too Soon” by Cris Cap today.
