Tom Tippin Delivers an Emotionally Charged Love Story with “100LL” in a Powerful, Career-Defining Display of Artistry
- STAFF
- May 6
- 4 min read
By: Staff
An unforgettable blend of heartfelt storytelling, soaring vocals, and cinematic production brilliance.
Already fans of Tom Tippin, we were immediately drawn to the endearing story behind his latest release, “100LL,” and wasted no time heading straight to the VEVO video to fully immerse ourselves in the performance.
The video to “100LL” opens with Tom Tippin standing center field, banjo in hand, framed by an open, windswept landscape. He quickly launches into the narrative with the lyric:
“Found your heart in the baggage department of a World War II airplane”
-which instantly captures attention. This imaginative and whimsical line sets the tone for what unfolds as an unconventional but deeply moving love story.
From the very beginning, Tom’s vocal delivery is striking. His phrasing and inflection are distinctive, offering a vocal presence that feels both effortless and emotionally charged. There’s a tangible sincerity in his voice that reflects genuine affection for his fiancée. As he unpacks the story behind “100LL,” his steady banjo picking provides a warm, consistent pulse beneath a vocal tone that almost glows with intimacy. As the camera begins to pull back, we’re met with subtle, heartfelt expressions, smiles that seem to land on specific lyrics, giving us a glimpse into the joyful memories replaying in his mind. It’s a charming visual representation of emotional recollection.
One of the most memorable moments comes with the lyric:
“You said boy quit playing with fire- I said, do you wanna go for a ride with me?”
-delivered with a soaring, extended vocal run. It’s a brilliant performance choice, with his voice seemingly jetting across the mix like a low-flying aircraft overhead. What makes it resonate even more is the phrasing, how the melody descends before ascending again, creating an emotional ripple that pulls the listener in even deeper. It’s expressive, unrestrained, and completely captivating.
Following that, the production evolves seamlessly, lifting the song into a new realm of sonic energy. A gradual build intensifies into a thunderous, emotionally charged crescendo, where each element of the arrangement lifts Tom’s vocals even higher. As he walks through the field and the camera follows, the visual and musical elements sync into one vivid display of raw feeling. Then, the drumbeat kicks in, urgent, rhythmic, and pounding, and we’re swept into a breathtaking musical swell. It’s a surge of sonic adrenaline, elevating both mood and momentum with every beat. The build is not just effective, it’s unforgettable, transforming the song from simple folk-pop storytelling into something that feels cinematic in scope.
What follows is lyrical gold. When Tom sings:
“She says Tom where you’ve been. I love you since we were 10”
-the song reaches its emotional apex. It’s an unexpectedly tender moment that hits like a tidal wave. Coupled with the authentic, almost glowing look on Tom’s face, the line feels less like a lyric and more like a real-time confession. There’s a joy in his performance that leaps off the screen and into the hearts of his listeners. It’s an infectious kind of joy, undeniably genuine, and it’s the kind of moment that builds stars.
No one could have predicted that a simple introduction of Tom and his banjo would evolve into such a stunning narrative arc. “100LL” isn’t just a love song; it’s a full story, beautifully told, with moments so vivid they could anchor a feature film. And frankly, it deserves one.
Having followed Tom Tippin from earlier releases, it’s clear with this track that he’s stepped into a whole new level of artistry. “100LL” doesn’t just showcase his musicality; it reveals the size of his heart and his dedication to telling stories that matter.
With that kind of authenticity, it’s no wonder he’s bound to win over audiences across the globe.
“100LL” by Tom Tippin is a masterclass in modern Americana, overflowing with sincerity, power, and vision.
Tom Tippin is a compelling voice in modern Americana, bringing together personal storytelling, a strong melodic sensibility, and an unmistakable emotional honesty. As both an artist and a licensed pilot, Tom pulls inspiration from his real life in a way that feels grounded yet imaginative.
This latest single, “100LL,” is a vivid reflection of his real-life relationship, using his and his fiancée’s shared passion for flying as both inspiration and metaphor. The title, which refers to aviation fuel, underscores the song’s foundation in their personal experiences, childhood airshows, years of friendship, and the slow-burning realization that the person who’s always been there is actually the love of your life. It’s a narrative that feels both intimate and weighty, landing with undeniable charm and emotional depth.
Tom’s sound is as distinctive as his story. Produced alongside Michael Guillot, the track’s organic instrumentation and layered dynamics reflect a sharp attention to emotional pacing. He writes and performs with a kind of authenticity that connects immediately, creating songs that don’t just sound good, they feel personal.
With his debut album Thoroughbred on the horizon and a rapidly growing fanbase across TikTok and live tour dates with indie group Coastal Club, Tom is clearly building something lasting.
We’re so excited to have experienced this latest release from Tom Tippin and can’t wait for this forthcoming album!
Be sure to stream, playlist, and share “100LL” by Tom Tippin today, this is a song that deserves to be heard.
