Spring Break
REVIEW: DeGraw unleashes low-key, unmotivated album
2 and a half out of 5 stars
Katie Hannafin
Issue date: 4/2/09 Section: Focus
Gavin DeGraw has only been around for about five years, but is well known for his few big breaks, "I Don't Wanna Be," "Chariot" and "We Belong Together." Considered one of today's bad-boy heart-throbs, he is often shrugged off as a sappy, radio, pop guy; however, his incredible vocal, instrumental and writing talents are just a few reasons why this rocker will most likely be around for a while. Let's hope he will soon become recognized for his musical gifts and not swooned over by teenyboppers and therefore, underrated any longer.
His newest album, "Free," was released March 31 and hasn't gotten the same hype as his two former albums, the popular "Chariot," and his second, the self-titled, "Gavin DeGraw." After singing his praises, unfortunately "Free" is much different than his previous two albums, as it is very low-key, involving few instrumentals and is even boring at many parts. His rich, sexy voice is extremely prominent, yet DeGraw seem almost unmotivated on many tracks.
The material on "Free" ranges from songs written early in DeGraw's career to tracks finished in the studio, according to the Billboard Web site.
His characteristic heartbreaking love songs such as "Stay" haven't been left out, and many songs have strong, relatable (and sometimes depressing) lyrics. On another note, many songs are very repetitive, such as "Waterfall," which is quiet, unenthused and repeats the word "beautiful" over and over again. Seriously, while Akon's recent hit, "Beautiful," just won't go away, the music scene has officially beaten that word to death.
"Mountains to Move" is one of the sad songs, but has a very pleasant sound. "Dancing Shoes" has DeGraw accompanied by only a piano that he most likely plays, but is unimpressive. "I've got nothing left to lose / But I'm no pair of dancin' shoes," won't get any listeners dancing, or wanting to press the replay button.
The single from the album, "Free," is one of the best songs. It starts off soft and slow but becomes a memorable ballad in which DeGraw passionately showcases his range of vocal abilities. DeGraw belts "I'm the fight and the dance / I'm the heartbreaking romance / The feather and the stone / I feel crowded and alone / And I wanna be free / Wind in my hair / Salt on my skin / Sun in the air / I have to feel loved / Holding on me / I'll give you everything that you would ever need."
His newest album, "Free," was released March 31 and hasn't gotten the same hype as his two former albums, the popular "Chariot," and his second, the self-titled, "Gavin DeGraw." After singing his praises, unfortunately "Free" is much different than his previous two albums, as it is very low-key, involving few instrumentals and is even boring at many parts. His rich, sexy voice is extremely prominent, yet DeGraw seem almost unmotivated on many tracks.
The material on "Free" ranges from songs written early in DeGraw's career to tracks finished in the studio, according to the Billboard Web site.
His characteristic heartbreaking love songs such as "Stay" haven't been left out, and many songs have strong, relatable (and sometimes depressing) lyrics. On another note, many songs are very repetitive, such as "Waterfall," which is quiet, unenthused and repeats the word "beautiful" over and over again. Seriously, while Akon's recent hit, "Beautiful," just won't go away, the music scene has officially beaten that word to death.
"Mountains to Move" is one of the sad songs, but has a very pleasant sound. "Dancing Shoes" has DeGraw accompanied by only a piano that he most likely plays, but is unimpressive. "I've got nothing left to lose / But I'm no pair of dancin' shoes," won't get any listeners dancing, or wanting to press the replay button.
The single from the album, "Free," is one of the best songs. It starts off soft and slow but becomes a memorable ballad in which DeGraw passionately showcases his range of vocal abilities. DeGraw belts "I'm the fight and the dance / I'm the heartbreaking romance / The feather and the stone / I feel crowded and alone / And I wanna be free / Wind in my hair / Salt on my skin / Sun in the air / I have to feel loved / Holding on me / I'll give you everything that you would ever need."
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