Review of ‘Manna’ from Stephen Gawking with Mark Haze and Eva Morgan
By: Summer-Raine Thesner
Review of ‘Manna’ from Stephen Gawking with Mark Haze and Eva Morgan
The new collaboration between Stephen Gawking, Eva Morgan and Mark Haze is thoughtful, emotional and totally anthemic. ‘Manna‘ carries a message that is so relevant right now. The songs journey is all about questioning, searching and ultimately, hoping. Everything Stephen Gawking touches has that underlying promise… there is ALWAYS HOPE!
I’ve admired Stephen Gawking for such a long time because he has this ability to create music that always encourages us to think on the uncomfortable topics without ever losing heart. His work always carries emotion and intention, and “Manna” is one of the strongest examples of that yet.
The song speaks on the growing presence of AI and technology in our lives and in art itself. Instead of turning it into fear driven commentary, it becomes something far more human. It reminds us that technology may evolve, but creativity will always depend on soul, human feelings and authenticity.
Lines like “I hear the hush now where wonder lived / Pixels breathing / Hearts on strings” paints a haunting image of a world becoming more artificial and emotionally disconnected. There’s this sense that the essence of being imperfectly perfect as humans has slowly faded into noise and false perfection.
When they sing, “You say the words the way you should / But the ghost of you is all I hear,” it speaks so powerfully about interactions that sound right on the surface but lack genuine emotion underneath. It’s one of the most striking moments in the song because it captures how easy it is to be fooled by polished imitation for real connection.
The chorus is absolutely massive. It has this uplifting pop dance energy that invites you to sing along. The production opens up beautifully, especially with the layered backing vocals that give the song so much more emotion. Those harmonies in the chorus create this soaring feeling, like a collective cry for something real in a world that feels so manufactured right now. It’s the real stuff and it’s incredibly catchy.
Eva Morgan’s vocals deserve special praise because she absolutely shines throughout this track. She brings warmth into the reflective moments and completely elevates the chorus with her powerful, commanding presence.
Mark Haze also adds something special to the song that brings exactly what’s needed for the overall atmosphere. Together, the artists create something that feels collaborative in the truest sense. Every contribution matters and strengthens the emotion of the track.
One of the most moving parts comes in the lines: “I’ve been out searching / Just to fill the void / Like manna that feeds my soul.” The reference to manna is symbolic of spiritual nourishment, of searching for truth, meaning and authenticity in a world full of distraction and artificial comfort. The song keeps returning to this longing for real human connection and emotional honesty.
Toward the end, the lyrics shift into hope. “Like the rain / Wash away / Can we fight and go up again / Light the way / Out the dark / It’s mystery that feeds our hearts.” That final idea is so important. The song acknowledges uncertainty and technological change. But… it also argues that emotion and humanity are what truly keep us alive. Not perfection. Not imitation. Real feeling.
Throughout, ‘Manna‘ bursts with radio ready energy. The dance vibe dropped into the chorus gives it this anthemic pulse that makes the message hit harder. It’s the kind of song you can reflect to and sing at the top of your lungs.
In short, “Manna” is a conversation about humanity, connection and creativity in an ever changing, sometimes scary world. With Stephen Gawking’s vision, Eva Morgan’s stunning vocals and Mark Haze’s ever powerful presence, the song becomes something genuine, best served with headphones on for full effect!
Stream ‘Manna’ from Stephen Gawking here
