Sing To Me Instead

It's a great sign when you buy a CD (yes I still do that) and you don't ever feel the need to skip a track.
I came across one of those recently. It's been quite a while since I bought an album by an artist I wasn't already invested in (largely because most of the music I've come across in recent years is pretty inane lyrically).
But Sing To Me Instead by Ben Platt is a rare exception. And it's bloody good.
I watched the Netflix series The Politician, which Ben Platt stars in, and then realised I had seen him before in Pitch Perfect.
Then a couple of clips of him performing original songs started appearing in my YouTube feed and, while that's normally a cause to be disturbed, it's led me to an album I can't put down.
I actually had to order the physical copy - I know I could have downloaded it but there's something about having an album with the lyrics printed there for you and it feels more like a piece of work than something purely digital.
What strikes me about these songs are they have so much depth, they feel personal and from what I'm led to believe they largely are very personal. That makes them exceptional.
It seems each song tells a different story. They might be special stories to him, as he co-wrote every song, but a lot of them resonate way beyond just being about one person and situation.
The opening song Bad Habit is my favourite track, and it's funny how a song comes along and can fit a situation you're in or you've been in.
Though probably the most powerful lyrics come from the song Older - and I think everyone should be able to relate to them:
"When you are younger, you'll wish you're older.
Then when you're older, you wish for time to turn around.
Don't let your wonder turn into closure
When you get older, when you get older."
Then there's this gem I think we should take note of:
"If I wait until tomorrow comes, is the waiting all I've ever done?"
There's a great mix of almost broadway style exuberance in songs like New and Share Your Address, then there are tender moments like Honest Man, Hurt Me Once and In Case You Don't Live Forever will floor most people with a soul.
Interestingly, before I discovered he'd recorded an album (released nine months ago) I came across a song called Rain which is slightly more pop-style but has that broadway element (and the film clip is ridiculous but amusing).
I wonder what he'll produce next.
If you haven't had a listen to any of his songs before, do yourself a favour. Sensational voice, songs with depth, highly recommended.

Signals

I've had Signals, the debut solo album by Travis Caudle for a while and it continues to grow on me.
On first listen a few tracks stood out but having now had it on good rotation in my car this weekend I've started to get right into it.
Travis is the lead singer of WA band The Woodenelves, a band I discovered by chance a few years ago and that produced a stunning album called Trips Between Worlds.
Signals isn't quite as instantly listenable but it's a bit like hearing familiar songs and having pleasant memories of them. One thing that stands out is his voice. It stood out on the Woodenelves' album as well but Travis has stripped things back a little on most of the songs on Signals and his voice resonates.

Unlike a lot of throwaway pop that is around these days, Signals is a positive yet reflective journey about life.

Take the title track for example. The following is a quote from his website regarding the song and some lyrics.

''The title track, Signals, is all about getting to a point where you get rid of all the things which don’t work in your life, understanding that by giving away some of your security you actually gain freedom.''

''It’s just something you feel, A point you reach somehow
You’ve gotta take the life you have now and throw it all away
To reinvent the wheel, send a signal somehow.
You gotta take the life you have now and throw it all away.''

The first time I listened to Signals, the overall album, I put eight of the 12 songs straight onto my ipod. That's a pretty good indication of that familiarity the album has. And they have continued to grow on me. Away from the title track I very much like Out Of Your Depth and the last song, Rise.
Travis Caudle is an artist that there's a fair chance you haven't heard of before. It's a shame if that's the case. From the Woodenelves songs, which still get a lot of airplay at my place, to this lyrically fantastic and musically subtle solo effort, Travis has given me plenty of hours of entertainment. Well worth it, too.

Why

Simply an awesome song, this is Why by Rascal Flatts from the album Unstoppable.
Have a listen and try not to tear up, it's a pretty tough job to keep it in.


It must've been in a place so dark you couldn't feel the light
Reachin' for you through that stormy cloud
Now here we are gathered in our little hometown
This can't be the way you meant to draw a crowd

Oh, why? That's what I keep askin'
Was there anything I could have said or done?
Oh, I had no clue you were masking
A troubled soul, God only knows what went wrong
And why you'd leave the stage in the middle of a song

Now in my mind I keep you frozen as a seventeen year old
Roundin' third to score the winning run
You always played with passion no matter what the game
When you took the stage, you shined just like the sun

Oh, why? That's what I keep askin'
And was there anything I could have said or done?
Oh, I had no clue you were masking
A troubled soul, oh, God only knows what went wrong
And why you'd leave the stage in the middle of a song

Now the oak trees are swayin' in the early autumn breeze
The golden sun is shining on my face
The tangled thoughts I hear a mockingbird sing
This old world really ain't that bad a place

Oh, why? There's no comprehending
And who am I to try to judge or explain?
Oh, but I do have one burning question
Who told you life wasn't worth the fight?
They were wrong, they lied, and now you're gone, and we cried
'Cause it's not like you to walk away in the middle of a song
Your beautiful song, your absolutely beautiful song

It Is What It Is

I made reference to the fact in my previous post that I felt the new Lifehouse CD was a grower.
Well, I totally missed what is now clearly the best song on Smoke & Mirrors.
It Is What It Is contains all the emotional aspects, regarding sound and voice and lyrics, that set Lifehouse apart from most bands I've been a fan of.
Worth checking out, if you like your songs with lyrics you can understand and relate to and music that is played on real instruments.
Clearly this is a song about relationships hitting a hurdle and not knowing where to go.

I was only looking for a shortcut home
But it's complicated, so complicated
Somewhere in this city is a road I know
Where we could make it
But maybe there's no making it now

Too long we've been denying
Now we're both tired of trying
We've hit a wall and we can't get over it
Nothing to relive
It's water under the bridge
You said it. I get it.
I guess it is what it is

I was only trying to bury the pain
But I made you cry and now I can't stop the crying
Was only trying to save me but I lost you again
Now there's only lying
Wish I could say it's only me

Chorus

Here it comes ready or not
We both found out it's not how we thought
That it would be, how it would be
If the time could turn us around
What once was lost may be found
For you and me, for you and me

Chorus

I was only looking for a shortcut home
But it's complicated, so complicated

As I said I reckon Jason Wade is an awesome songwriter and he always seems to strike a chord with me, whether he is writing about love, loss or life.
I just keep coming back to it when I listen to Smoke & Mirrors, despite how much I love the album as a whole. From past experience this means it has really resonated.
Thanks for another classic, Jason!

Unstoppable

After one listen (as is my custom when reviewing CDs) I can confidently say Rascal Flatts are back in form.
Their sixth CD, Unstoppable, is a shade ballad-ish but that isn't necessarily a negative.
I suppose it is hard to follow up such an awesome album like Me & My Gang and I think that was the problem with Still Feels Good, it was okay but that's about it.
Unstoppable, in many ways, is typical Flatts with stories told or remembered of lost love and regret. But then again that is country music.
Clearly the standout track is the title track Unstoppable. It gave me chills when listening to it for the first time (I replayed it a few times later on which is always a sign I like a song heaps).
Maybe the reason I like this one so much is that while it is about lost love, it's positive as well.
`Keep on believing don't give in, it'll come and make you whole again, it always will it always does, love is unstoppable'.
Other songs that stand out are Close, Holdin' On and Once plus the fun Summer Nights (no it isn't a Grease cover).
I'm pretty happy with this CD and it will get a high rotation in the coming week. Also hoping that the Flatts make good on their intention to come down under, it'd be awesome to see them live.

I'm Yours

I'm Yours by the Script has fast become one of my favourite songs at the moment. Beautiful, simple, touching. Worth a listen.


You've touched these tired eyes of mine
And mapped my face line by line
And some how growing old feels fine
I listen close for I'm not smart
You wrap your thoughts and works of art
And there hanging on the walls of my heart.

I may not have the softest touch
I may not say the words as such
And though I may not look like much
I'm yours
And though my edge is maybe rough
I never feel I'm quite enough
And it may not seem like very much
But I'm yours.

You healed these scars over time
And braced my soul, you loved my mind
You're the only angel in my life
The day the news came, my best friend died
My knees went weak, and you saw me cry
Say I'm still the soldier in your eyes.

I may not have the softest touch
I may not say the words as such
And though I may not look like much
I'm yours
And though my edge is maybe rough
I never feel I'm quite enough
And it may not seem like very much
But I'm yours.
I may not have the softest touch
I may not say the words as such
And though I don't fit in that much
But I'm yours.

The In The Air Tonight myth

I always believed the classic Phil Collins song In The Air Tonight was based on a true story about an incident that was witnessed.
I learned today that is not the case and that Collins doesn't really know what it is about. Read about it here if you didn't already know.
It is a cracking song with amazing use of the drums in the middle, very distinctive.
These lyrics don't help the case of it not being based on an actual event....
`Well when you told me you were drowning
I would not lend a hand
I've seen your face before my friend
But I don't know if you know who I am
But I was there and I saw what you did
Saw it with my own two eyes
So you can wipe off that grin
I know where you've been
It's all been a pack of lies'.
True or not true, it's a great urban myth.

Storm

One of the great songs by my favourite band, Lifehouse, called Storm. Good for people who need a pick me up, or who want to remember the bigger picture.

How long have I been in this storm?
So overwhelmed by the ocean's shapeless form
Water's getting harder to tread
With these waves crashing over my head

If I could just see you
Everything would be all right
If I'd see you
This darkness would turn to light
And I will walk on water
And you will catch me if I fall
And I will get lost into your eyes
And know everything will be all right
And know everything is all right

I know you didn't bring me out here to drown
So why am I ten feet under and upside down
Barely surviving has become my purpose
Because I'm so used to living underneath the surface

If I could just see you
Everything would be allright
If I'd see you
This darkness would turn to light
And I will walk on water
And you will catch me if I fall
And I will get lost into your eyes
And know everything will be all right

Gavin DeGraw

A month or two ago I was lamenting my inability to get hold of the song We Belong Together by Gavin DeGraw. Well, to my surprise I was in the music store on Saturday and spotted his new CD (which only came out on that day). When I saw the track in question listed I went straight to the counter.
I didn't care if the rest of the album was ordinary - I had to have that song. Fortunately, the rest of the CD is pretty good.
Of course I came across Gavin DeGraw through One Tree Hill, as he sings the theme song I Don't Want To Be, and I admit I got hold of his debut CD Chariot for exactly the same reason.
Some may argue with me but I think this CD is much stronger than his debut. And that's a good thing.
The opening track In Love With A Girl is very catchy as is the next track Next To Me. Others I like are Young Love, She Holds A Key and of course We Belong Together, which is just an awesome song:
The hammer may strike, me dead on the ground,a nail to my hand, a cross on this crown, but we're done if we're undone, finished if we are incomplete, as one we are everything.
It's great when music surprises you and I have to say that Gavin DeGraw fits in that category. He's not your straight up and down pop singer. His songs have imagination, depth (most of the time) and are very catchy if they are up tempo and emotive if they are slow.
You could do a lot worse than check this out.

A lyrical journey

Some random lyrics from songs I love....

`If you could see what's going on behind these private eyes, the truth would look so easy now but I'm running out of lies' - All I Want Is Everything (Def Leppard)

`And I know it aches and your heart it breaks, and you can only take so much.' - Walk On (U2)

`How do you block the sound of a voice you'd know anywhere.' - Insensitive (Jann Arden)

`And if you keep falling down don't you dare give in, you will arise safe and sound, so keep pressing on steadfastly, and you'll find what you need to prevail.' - Through The Rain (Mariah Carey)

`You grew up way too fast now there's nothing to believe, and re-runs all become our history.' - Name (Goo Goo Dolls)

`There's no need to say a thing when I'm before you, in this silence I feel refreshed with peace.' - When You Are Near (Jeremy Camp)

`Ever wonder why I never really truly connect although my eyes are open, I can hold your gaze but I am never connected.' - Darkness (Darren Hayes)

Embarrassing admission #1

So I was listening to the music on my computer and a certain song started.
It was Reach by S Club 7.
This is the embarrassing admission: I love this song!
Yeah it is a manufactured pop song by a boy/girl band but it just makes me smile. It's bright, light, easy to listen to and the words mean something.

My favourite bit is: Don't believe in all that you've been told, the sky's the limit you can reach your goal, no-one knows just what the future holds, there ain't nothing you can't be, there's a whole world at your feet.

You're a tough crowd if this doesn't make you feel good.

When You Are Near

When You Are Near , one of the great songs by outstanding Christian artist Jeremy Camp. Co-written by Jason Wade of Lifehouse (so you know what ball park we are talking about how good this song is), When You Are Near is a great uplifting experience.
Have a listen, here are the lyrics.

There's no need to say a thing
When I'm before you
In this silence I feel refreshed with peace
Break this noise that binds the voice that tries speak
Open up my eyes to see Your gracious sovereign reach

It's hard to talk when I feel that you are near
When all is quiet it's the beauty that I hear
This hidden place where I know that you calm my fears
I know that you've washed my tears

The seasons of change I've faced
Have never left me wounded
Only scars of hurt but never deeply rooted
This healing I have felt no burden can replace
Redemptive hope has been the story of my pain

Chorus

All is lost without the breath of life you give
And you give so much
I want nothing more than you so here's my heart

Chorus

Rush Of Fools

I've come across a good Christian band called Rush Of Fools and they are well worth checking out.
I spotted their debut album in a catalogue and went online to check out a couple of songs. Naturally I now have the album.
The opening track Undo is a good indication of what you're going to get with this American band.
The lyrics, after one listen, are meaningful and God-centred (largely). Again just one the sole listen my favourite tracks are Undo, Your Love, All We Ever Needed, For Those and Already.

Go here to read about the meaning behind the songs. I find this helpful from time to time and you can see where they are coming from.

Some lyrics to Undo:

``I've been here before and here I am again, Standing at the door, praying you'll let me back in

To label me a prodigal would be only scratching the surface of who I've been known to be.

Turn me around, pick me up, Undo what I've become. Bring me back to the place of forgiveness and grace. I need You, need Your help I can't do this myself, you're the only one who can undo what I've become...'

Check them out.

Who We Are - the review

The fourth album from my favourite band, Lifehouse , is a worthy addition to the collection so far and one that definitely grows on you.
Initially slightly disappointed the album, Who We Are, compares well with the previous, self-titled, album which interestingly ended with the words who we are (from the song The End Has Only Begun).
I have extolled the virtues of Jason Wade as a songwriter many times and he has again floored me with some of his lyrics. But I will get to that shortly.
The CD opens with Dissaray and the first single, First Time , and they are solid soft rock tracks but we come into the third song Whatever It Takes and things changed for me. Essentially a love song about two people trying desperately to salvage what they have in the face of a break-up. This one kind of feels like a follow up to Hanging By A Moment depicting the end rather than the beginning.
The title track is fine and fairly self-explanatory and track six The Joke has quite an interesting sound. Then we get into the A grade.
If you ever liked Lifehouse, particularly tracks like Everything, it comes as no surprise that Wade produces a corker in the track Easier To Be . While Lifehouse don't lay claim to being a Christian band Wade's background has been well exposed and he often writes Christian songs disguised as secular (of sorts) songs and the aforementioned Everything is a prime example.
Easier To Be is the Everything of this album and is simple, beautiful and moving.
`We speak in silence, words can't break, it feels like we are, falling awake, in a place and a time, of our own, yeah yeah, you make it easier to be, easier to be me. It felt like the world fell from my feet, gave up on myself, you didn't give up on me...'
It's almost a shame Easier To Be isn't the last track as it would be a perfect ending. We get a few standard rock tracks before heading back into deeper waters with Storm .
`If I could just see you, everything would be all right, if I'd see you, this darkness would turn to light. And I will walk on water, and you will catch me if I fall, and I will get lost into your eyes, I know everything will be all right..'
We get two bonus tracks in Australia, Keep The Change and I Want You To Know, of which the latter is definitely the better.
A band like Lifehouse could have easily fizzled out after a debut number one single and successful first album but they have continued and there's certainly plenty of life left in this group. At least I hope so. Jason Wade and Lifehouse produce music with soul and heart and that is something sorely missed out there.

Somewhere In Between

One of my favourite songs, Somewhere In Between by Lifehouse, so I thought I'd post the lyrics. Kind of sums me up at the moment.

I can't be losing sleepover this, no I can't
And now I cannot stop pacing
Give me a few hours I'll have this all sorted out
If my mind would just stop racing
Cause I cannot stand still
I can't be this unsturdy
This cannot be happening
This is over my head but underneath my feet
Cause by tomorrow morning I'll have this thing beat
And everything will be back to the way that it was
I wish that it was just that easy
Cause I'm waiting for tonight and then waiting for tomorrow
And I'm somewhere in between
What is real and just a dream
Would you catch me if I fall out of what I fell in
Don't be surprised if I collapse down at your feet again
I don't want to run away from this
I know that I just don't need this
Cause I cannot stand still
I can't be this unsturdy
This cannot be happening, yeah
Cause I'm waiting for tonight and then waiting for tomorrow
And I'm somewhere in between what is real and just a dream