Here is an album that did not really grab me on the first listen through. Okay, I was also kind of PO'ed that the review did not come with a track listing, which makes it awfully difficult to know what song is playing.  So you should know I was not looking forward to reviewing this. Well usually I tell you what I like about the album prior to dishing out what I dislike.  This time I am doing it in reverse.  Why change my tactic?  Because as I had mentioned, I did not like it, but after listening to the album another 3 times, it kept on getting better. So, what did I dislike about Brendan James' debut album The Day Is Brave?

My main complaint was that many of the songs sounded the same - or at least very similar styles and he maintains a constant vocal range.  Even to a critical ear, I must admit that the tone and temp of the songs do not change much.  A little more diversity would have been nice to hear, and even when he tries to mix it up, such as in what I would consider his Elton Johnish "The Other Side," it still does not go to any extremes.  My second complaint, which I still maintain even now is that he has a guitar voice - not a piano voice.  His songwriting is more attuned to a Billy Joel or Elton, but his voice would meld more nicely with the chords of an acoustic guitar.  I know he learned piano specifically for the purposes of singing and writing his songs, but Brendan, if you are reading this . . . try a guitar.

Okay, now that I have got that off of my chest, the album became increasingly better with each listen through.  In my second time listening to this, or any album, I then put on my critical ears and really take a listen to the music and the lyrics.  The instrumentals are above average, and the production is good, but the guy's voice and lyrics are the highlight of this album.  There is something very "nice" and reassuring about his voice.  It has that special quality you hear in some of the big name stars, although I do wish he would try to hit that high note - or even the low note, especially when the song or background instruments call for it.

I like his voice, but better yet is the lyrics.  I mean they are really, really good.  He weaves stories into each of his songs, with much depth and meaning.  They are beautiful words with strong sentiments of emotional variety.  If you listen to this album, just stop and listen to the words especially in songs like "Manchester," "Hero's Song" and "Run Away" -- but all of the songs contain a poetic beauty.

Brendan James sings and plays music.  Real music.

Brendan James' debut EP gives us a taste of what is to come for this young talented artist.  James provides us with a fresh sound that in many ways is retrospective of some great folksy music of the 1970s. Influences such as Carole King and "Sweet Baby" James Taylor are hard to miss in his music and lyrical style. I also hear a lot of Elton John in some of his songs.

 

The writing is very good and the lyrics are what give the music that extra something special that many of today's songs are missing.  Already his songs are making an influence in the music scene and his song "The Day Is Brave" has made it up to #13 on iTunes Alternative/Pop chart.

If this is just the EP, I really cannot wait for the full album to be released.