McAllister, Steve: I Hope You Are Okay

The opening track made me think of a more upbeat Sufjan Stevens, a fairly sparse arrangement with the vocal front and center. To my surprise, the second song “Something In The Water� is a little pop gem, I’m a sucker for a good hook, and when the song gets to the chorus, I can't get it out of my head. It’s definitely quirky, but what a good feel the track has to my ears. “Roll On� is another catchy number, ok, sign me up, I’m digging what I hear. A laid back feel with some fun slide guitar, and the solo is great, what a good feel on this one. What do you know, Mr. Mike Keneally guests on a number of songs on the disc, not too shabby.

Unfortunately, as quickly as I am hooked, I am lost again. Most of the rest of the CD fails to grab me, quirky pop, and too many somber, slow moments that just don’t hold my interest. “No� is the best example, it stops any momentum gained early on, and drags throughout its five- plus minutes. Track 7 “On It Like A Narcotic� perks up my ears, another catchy number, and hopefully the train is back on the tracks, but alas, it’s not to be.

Overall, this is just too inconsistent and moody. McAllister certainly has a penchant for a catchy melody, and I prefer his upbeat music to the slower moodier songs that unfortunately dominate the album.

Track List:
1. Because I Love You Too Much
2. Something In The Water
3. Roll On
4. Get Yourself Together
5. No
6. The 3 rd Side Of An Egg
7. On It Like A Narcotic
8. Sunshine Ladies
9. A Letter To My Son
10. Sailor’s Waltz

Added: April 8th 2024
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Artists @ Bandcamp
Hits: 401
Language: english

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