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Tom Odell’s Why Do I Always Want Things That I Can’t Have makes me think of Keane, the alternative rock band, even if the former stands out in his own right as a respected independent singer-songwriter. His intricate use of the piano will likely remind you of the band as well. It’s unsurprising that both are British by origin.

Odell’s voice speaks of honesty, rawness, sadness, and being reflective, where relevant. That’s why even a new fan like yours truly is pleasantly surprised by how much effort he puts into his singing and using his talent to his own benefit, and then showcasing to the rest of the world.

Yes, it may be yet another love song, but it’s one that’s remarkable because it speaks of sadness without sugarcoating it, he tells it as it is – a fictional person needing medication to survive loving someone impossible to have. Of course, he later reveals that even medication is not enough for this imaginary character.

Eventually, his tone in the song shifts to being accepting and more reflective of all the more important and precious things in life.

The heartbreaking song can be found on the album A Wonderful Life.

Through the official lyric video that has been released since a fortnight ago, the guitar emphasises yet complements the piano perfectly, bringing sounds – both loud and soft that’s much-needed for the song to be heartfelt, calming and yet sad all at once.

Odell opened the 2025 Hit Me Hard and Soft concert tour of the American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, whom he also cites as one of his influences.

Odell was born in England but had also spent part of his childhood in New Zealand, as his father’s nature work takes him through various air flights. Odell achieved grade seven in classical piano, making him versatile when it comes to the black and white keys. He has training in music via an institute in Brighton and had spent his schooldays writing songs for a band which did not have a permanent frontman. Eventually, Odell was London-bound and decided to go solo as he learnt that it’s tough to depend on others for professional work.  He also has skills in playing the organ and guitar.