While this isn’t the most original or unique music you are likely to hear, it is quite effective. The blend of sounds tends toward the mainstream, meaning this will likely appeal to a wide demographic. While I wouldn’t consider every song to be magic, there are definitely magic moments here.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2014 Volume 4 at lulu.com/strangesound.
Track by Track Review
Tell Me Where the Summer Goes
There’s a smooth, melodic arrangement to this. Some slide guitar brings a bit of a country element to the table. The vocal arrangement and the hooks are both tasteful and captivating. I like the harmonica on the number. It’s an extremely effective piece.
Say Goodbye to Yesterday There’s a lot more of a folk rock feeling to this. It’s an energetic and accessible piece of music. It’s also fun.
Your Illuminating Love A lot more rocking, this has a little bit of a punk edge. It’s a solid tune that’s a nice change of pace.
It's All about You Here we get another straightforward rocker. It’s definitely got a real classic rock texture to it.
Fly Apple Pie There’s a real old school rock and roll meets blues texture to this rocker. The saxophone solo late adds a lot to the mix.
The Sound of Your Lies Built on a slow moving, melodic rock sound, this is a tasteful and quite evocative number. I like it a lot. In fact, it might be my favorite song here.
Lesson Number One Set in folk rocking territory, this is another solid piece. It’s not one of my favorites, though.
Suspicion Bluesy hard rock, this is especially effective. I love the snarling vocal bits. It’s a highlight of the album for sure.
Darkness With lots of folk and some country in the mix, this ballad is evocative and powerful. It’s another highlight of the set.
Inside of Me More of a classic rock meets singer/songwriter vibe is the basis here. This is effective, but not one of my favorites.
Game Changer Waves of noisy guitar swim across the top of this, bringing some psychedelia and space rock to the mix. This is the most “different” track here. It’s also one of my favorites. It makes for a great closer.
