Singer/songwriter Matt Maltese is a true romantic, evident in his lyrics, voice, and especially in his latest single, "Buses Replace Trains," which stands out as a feature from his newly released sixth studio album, 'Hers.'
Matt Maltese has always been open with his emotions, but this time it feels different. With 'Hers,' the cherished artist delves deeper than ever into the subtle truths of love and lasting commitment, creating a record that is both vulnerable and timeless. His recent album, 'Hers' (released independently on May 16), impresses listeners with its exploration of various life experiences and his emotional responses to them. The album provides a thoughtful, nostalgic, and engaging examination of enduring love and personal introspection.
Matt Maltese’s sixth studio album, 'Hers,' was released on May 16, 2025.
Close isn’t close enough
I want to tiptoe through your thoughts
Forever is too brief
I want to make love in the afterlife
And time will continue to be kind
Minds will keep changing minds.
"I've composed many songs fueled by infatuation, but this album reflects a much longer-term love," Maltese explains to Atwood Magazine. "The intricate paths and delightful challenges that come with it, along with the more profound heartaches that emerge, allowed me to truly reflect and work diligently on this project... It's similar to taking a year to craft an important email."
Last month, the British singer/songwriter released one final single prior to the album's launch, “Buses Replace Trains.” This memorable song eloquently captures the essence of timeless love amidst a constantly changing world. The song’s title originated from a conversation with a friend about potential band names suggested by his Welsh uncle during his teenage years. "Buses Replace Trains" resonated with Maltese as an apt title for a passionate love song.
Every single morning,
You wrap your legs around mine,
And satellites shine above,
mythical creatures run
Just to catch a glimpse of her,
And buses replace trains,
and white lines replace planes,
But nothing can replace you and I.
Buses replace trains
and motors replace sails,
But there’s no replacing you and I.
Oh, I’d like to see them try.
"There was something poignant about the phrase 'Buses Replace Trains' out of context. It brought back memories of rail replacement buses in Reading during my childhood, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it perfectly suited a love song. It’s simple and ordinary, yet meaningful," Maltese adds.
Buses replace trains
and white lines replace planes,
But nothing can replace you and I.
Buses replace trains
and highways replace lanes,
But nothing can replace you and I.
Oh, I’d like to see them try.
There’s beauty in the everyday sights that might seem dull or mundane, whether acknowledged or not. Using the mundane as a metaphor in a love song enriches the concept and makes it more relatable. As technology progresses, the latest innovations continuously replace older ones. Maltese uses the metaphor of transportation to express that, regardless of new and enticing paths, they cannot compare to what endures. The love he describes is timeless, steadfast, and capable of overcoming any challenge. Such remarkable bonds are rare and worthwhile, and that commitment is palpable in every lyric of this touching love song.
"I’m British enough to feel a slight embarrassment about the number of love songs I've written," Maltese confesses. "Perhaps an album about prehistoric creatures would seem more interesting, but ultimately, we are all human, and love and relationships are experiences that consistently impact us."
"It’s my role as a songwriter to delve into the aspects of my life, and that’s what I was navigating," he concludes.
“Buses Replace Trains” is a heartfelt triumph — an evocative tribute to lasting love in an ever-changing world. With its poetic elegance and emotional clarity, Matt Maltese reminds us that some things are truly irreplaceable. It’s no wonder this song was selected as one of Atwood Magazine’s Editor’s Picks, showcasing warmth, vulnerability, and timeless devotion within 'Hers.'
I know it’s not that simple
But it is
I know it’s not that simple
But it is
I know— I know it’s not that simple
But it is
Oh, oh.
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Singer-songwriter Matt Maltese is a true romantic, as evident in his lyrics, vocal delivery, and his latest single, “Buses Replace Trains.” This track stands out on his newly released sixth studio album, ‘Hers.’