Song You Need: Nico Paulo counts up the hours

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Nico Paulo has a knack for transmuting the mundane motions of daily life into grand, wistful reveries. Her latest track, “Time,” is a case in point: Early in the track, the Portugal-born, Canada-based singer-songwriter — currently living in St. John’s, Newfoundland — literally counts up the hours from 5:00 to 12:00. It’s not the most exciting concept on paper, but the numbers come alive through her classic Laurel Canyon croon, delivered over bossa nova guitar strumming, tasteful bass and drums, and the occasional flute flourish.

“Time” is the second single from Paulo’s self-titled debut LP, arriving April 7 via Forward Music Group. It follows the record’s equally lovely lead single, “Now Or Never,” released with the project’s announcement in October. The new song is a somber reflection on its titular construct, both a meditation on the inherent hardship of its onward march (“Time was never easy on you”) and a challenge to take it as it comes, enjoying the moments of pure joy we’re granted every now and then (“Have you ever thought of dancing, just moving into time?”).

Later this week, Paulo will embark on a week-long tour of her adopted home country, starting with two shows — Thursday, January 20 in Fredericton, New Brunswick and Friday, January 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia — in support of Andy Shauf. Watch the Sam Pecknold-animated music video for time, check out Nico Paulo’s upcoming tour dates, and view the cover art and tracklist of her forthcoming album below.