The 52nd studio album by O’Neill Fernandes is more than a music release—it’s a heartfelt comeback to the fans who encouraged his return. Following the announcement of his last album ‘Last Dance’ in January 2025, the Perth-based Pop music artist returns by public demand with a new batch of 20 instrumental covers. Titled ‘Back To You’, the album is a melodic trip down memory lane, highlighting O’Neill’s enthusiasm, appreciation, and trademark style of retro reinvention.
Introduction –
Music is a passing phase for some. For O’Neill Fernandes, it’s a calling he has followed his entire life. From being a touring DJ in the 90s to dropping more than 1130 instrumental pieces, O’Neill has travelled a long distance. Coming back with ‘Back To You’ is a lovely reminder as to why music by him reaches so many across the world. Inspired by the torrent of affection he received from fans following Last Dance, this new album is a love letter to fans and a tribute to timeless classics redone in his own instrumental genius.
What differentiates O’Neill is not so much his technical prowess or his decades-spanning catalog—although both those things are undoubtedly impressive—it’s that he is able to move people emotionally without words. And with ‘Back To You’, he has done so again.
Musicality –
The genius of ‘Back To You’ is in its effortless fusion of the old and the new. With tracks from 1974 to 2025, the album caters to all generations. His guitar melodies flow effortlessly across genres from Pop and Soft Rock to Country and Dance with crystal clarity and emotional depth.
Every instrumental is rich in depth and detail. The O’Neill Fernandes signature sound—a clean guitar tone accompanied by well-polished backing production—runs throughout the album, reminding people of his special talent for reinterpreting hits yet keeping them faithful to their original form.
Standout Tracks –
‘Back To You’ consists of 20 expertly selected pieces, each imbued with emotional and nostalgic value. These standout instrumentals highlight O’Neill’s versatility and imagination:
- Apt Rose – A clean contemporary song initially by Rosé and Bruno Mars, re-imagined with subtle instrumentation.
- Perfect (New Ver.) – A refreshed and touching version of Ed Sheeran’s iconic love ballad, interpreted with smooth instrumental elegance.
- Back To You – A stunning instrumental of the Bryan Adams hit which gave the album its name.
- Filthy Rich – A release in 2024 by Ella Henderson, remade with O’Neill’s own guitar-driven magic.
- The Door – A powerful instrumental arrangement with dramatic tension and an emotional rise and fall.
- Chasing Shadows – Melodic and moody, this track brings a mysterious energy to O’Neill’s lineup.
- Boulevard of Broken Dreams – Green Day’s classic anthem gets a heartfelt instrumental twist that’s both nostalgic and bold.
- Good Luck Babe – A bright, feel-good track, transformed with airy guitar layers and melodic joy.
- Stargazing – Dreamy and emotionally rich, this track offers a peaceful sonic escape.
- I Have A Dream (New Ver.) – A warm and hopeful instrumental tribute to the ABBA classic, beautifully re-recorded.
Every song captures not just the mood of the original track but also O’Neill’s profound emotional attachment to the music and to the fans who urged him to produce this album.
Vocals and Lyrics –
‘Back to You’ is an all-instrumental covers album, but it says everything. There is no need for lyrics—each guitar riff, each rhythmic build, and each melodic shift is its own narrative. O’Neill does each song justice, conveying the lyrics in his playing so that you feel them. That he can emotionally move a listener through instrumentation alone is what makes him so exceptional as an instrumental musician.
Production –
That this album becomes even more formidable is that all the production of O’Neill Fernandes did himself. Every aspect, ranging from choosing right to its application, is expertly worked through in ‘Back To You’. Experience as a mobile DJ and good understanding of musical trends have taught him to frame tracks not merely of good quality but with standing the test of time as well.
His own self-taught production abilities shine through in the clarity, structure, and emotional makeup of each piece. Whether he’s reworking a 90s pop hit or reworking a 2024 chart-topper, O’Neill makes it sound cohesive and new.
Conclusion –
With ‘Back To You’, O’Neill Fernandes once again demonstrates that music is not solely about sound but about connection, storytelling, and emotion. It is a love letter to fans, a homage to his sources of inspiration, and a declaration of his untiring commitment to his art form.
Scoring a breezy 4.9 out of 5, this album is one of O’Neill‘s strongest to date. It’s colourful, nostalgic, sentimental, and masterfully done. Whether you’re hearing O’Neill for the first time or have been along for the ride since the beginning of all 52 albums, ‘Back To You’ is not only worth a listen—it should have a permanent place on your playlist.
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Click here to listen to this new album on SoundCloud:
https://soundcloud.com/oneill-fernandes/sets/back-to-you
