The title track from Blake Lewis's upcoming album: l-o-v-e it. My fears that this would be an indie-dance album that ditched all pop sensibilities apparently couldn't have been more wrong. The soundscape created is definitely electronica influenced, but the melody and the way the synths are harnessed couldn't be more pop--in other words, it's a perfect combination. We've only heard it in low quality so far, but even at lower bitrates, you can hear how it's going to sparkle. Beautiful and uptempo, it's the sort of song that fills you with energy--yes, it passes the "has me wanting to jump around my room" test--but tugs just a bit, only gently, at those heartstrings, too.(This is usually where I would embed a YouTube video of the song, but it's not there yet. Listen by subscribing to his mailing list.)
My expectations for this album just skyrocketed. Could I actually end up loving it more than his debut? It's hard to imagine, given that I spun that record more than any other of the past few years (well, except maybe Erik Hassle's), but suddenly, hearing "Heartbreak On Vinyl," which just might be the most grown-up sound from Blake yet--and I didn't even realize I wanted any other sound from him until hearing this song and now suddenly know that, if this is the alternative, I do--I'm starting to think Blake might actually do it.
To preorder Blake Lewis's new album, Heartbreak On Vinyl, go here
. It comes out October 6.
8 comments:
I loved Blake's first album too ("How Many Words" and "Break Anotha" were my favorites). It was one of those moments when I listened to the album expecting it to be terrible and ended up being among the best albums of '07. You've now got me hyped up for the second album =]
Hmmm ... I haven't even bothered listening to any of his new stuff yet, but your glowing review is giving me every reason to pick it up "sound unheard"! I never had the love affair with his first disc that you had, PG, but I'm always up for pop-with-substance, which according to you seems to be what this one has in store...!
Speaking of Idols, I've been on a major binge collecting overseas Idol winners, runners-up and also-rans, so much so that I've fallen behind on blogging about recent releases. Maybe I'll have to do a special "Idols month" in my blog...??
-T
P.S.: Good to have you back ... missed ya!
I liked Sad Songs though not quite to the epic degree I wanted to. This however is totally brilliant and raises the bar for the album to the nth degree. I am now with you in the officially excited department...
Oh but i loathe his 80s almost flock of seagulls inspired hair from the video. Travesty. If the world is going back to that fashion wise, we better get ready for poodle perms next :/
"Sad Song" is a really good song, but this is an amazing song. So much for a skill in picking singles.
It really was one of the best releases of that year! "How Many Words" remains gorgeous, and I still have a lot of love for "Break Anotha"--the video, though, that's another story! Let's hope this new song is indicative of the album.
Thanks, Tom, and you know I always love your Idol specials (as well as your writing in general) :) This new single is very Erasure, I think, though with Blake's voice, so that might give you an idea as to whether or not you'll like it (though I imagine it's on YouTube by now and I should update this post).
Paul, ditto on "Sad Song" (you capture my feelings pretty well) and how this ups the game! Oh goodness, is there a video for "Sad Song"? I haven't seen it yet :-/
John, spot on.
I had similar fears that the album would be bland, mindless dance, but the title track is awesome! This is the sound for Blake, and I cannot wait to hear the rest of the album now!
It's exactly what I want him to sound like! Hopefully my hopes aren't too high now.
Post a Comment