When someone tours on their album for a year and a half, dates Kelly Clarkson and then all but disappears from the scene for a solid two years, it’s sort of hard to get a handle on what their next release might sound like.Unfortunately for Graham Colton, his adventures in pop rock have not proven beneficial to his music.
Sure, Colton’s sophomore release Here Right Now, out today, sounds more professional than his previous work. It’s more polished and definitely has that pop sheen thanks to producer John Fields (Rooney, Switchfoot, Semisonic), but is that actually a good thing?
Even more than in the past, Colton’s work is fitting for the One Tree Hill crowd. Lyrics about love and loss read sometimes like a teenager’s journal with rhymes that actually prove distracting to the music itself.
I’m not saying it’s easy to write song lyrics, but at least make it sound like you didn’t do it with a rhyming dictionary by your side.
Strangely, though, some of the album’s most simplistic songs are my favorites. “Always In Love” has a definite hook in its fast dance beat and The Cure-inspired guitar solo.
Colton says the album’s songs are based on relationships he’s had, with Kelly Clarkson and others, so one wonders if it was on purpose that on “If Love Was Enough” Rachel Yamagata’s backing vocals sound stunningly like Clarkson herself.
Colton’s album will no doubt sell more copies than his last, especially with some prime TV or film placements. (Psst, he’s got the free song on iTunes this week, too.) But much like a good cotton candy high, in the end this album will leave you with nothing but a toothache.
7 comments:
I think most "pop" music rhymes and the fact that it's catchy isn't that bad of a thing in my opinion. And the Kelly Clarkson comparison to Rachael Yamagata is kind of a reach. I don't hear Rachael singing when Kelly's belting out whatever garbage she is singing.
you are nuts this album is stunning!!!
While I do agree that 'Here Right Now' wouldn't seem out of place on a show such as 'One Tree Hill' but I do disagree with this being anything but a positive. Recently I've heard Snow Patrol, Mat Kearney and Patty Griffin on that same show and to put Graham in with those guys is nothing but a compliment. I also disagree that Rachael Yamagata sounds anything like Kelly Clarkson and that is to diss neither singer. This is a well-written pop record that will hopefully prove a breath of fresh air in an industry saturated with 'Hey hey you you' and 'Ella ella ella'. I love it.
I think you are way off base with your analysis. Here Right Now is definately more polished than Drive, but I can't stop listening to this CD! Cellophane Girl is certainly a nice gem to add after listening to the previous demo versions that have been around for years.
Don't miss the Wilco/Son Volt/Uncle Tupelo influence in the hidden track Here Right Now. Catchy & simplistic!
I think he can really relate to any age audience!
zanna
I disagree. I love this artist so much. You know that song that American Idol play at the end the American Idol montage? That's by Graham Colton. The song is called “Best Days.” He's amazing dude
Here’s the link because I know you guys were probably wondering what song it was! http://www.amazon.com/BestDays/dp/B000XLUALU/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1203979850&sr=8-3
I don't see how Rachel and Kelly sound anything alike..and I don't see anything different in Grahams lyrics in his 2 albums...if you think the lyrics are too immature in this one, so were the ones on his 1st album. I really don't see much of a change.
And Kelly doesn't belt much in her new album like people on AI do (that must be why I her new album it so much).
And OTH (not a great show)has some of the best music - they rarely play anything pop
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