Daringly Honest
Ben Taylor has a music pedigree second to none. Son of Carly Simon and James Taylor, the young singer/songwriter undeniably has music in his genes and with it unfortunately comes expectations. But rather than shy away from the musical path and venture into a world where his family connections would not be placed under the microscope, Taylor has instead taken the braver route, bringing his musical gift to a wider audience. Fans of singer/songwriters who gracefully deliver the laid back tranquillity of heart on sleeve tracks need not look any further for their next fix, Taylor dutifully complies producing an album of tracks that is so laced in melodic hooks and emotional out pouring it is as if you are being taken into his confidence, into an intimate world where everything has lessened its pace to simply glide around peacefully.
Taylor's second album opens with the wistfully melodic 'Nothing I Can Do', a song that immediately introduces his reedy voice that oozes a melancholic touch with each word. Spinning folk felt lyrics amongst a catchy hook and country tinged attitude, 'Nothing I Can Do' truly sets the tone of 'Another Run Around The Sun'. This is the type of album to wind down to, not the one to get the party started and after a stressful day there is nothing more soothing. As the album expands, Taylor's skill at crafting traditional pop tracks that veer towards the side of a ballad fully emerges. Melody driven numbers such as 'Always' and 'One Man Day' deliver the smoothly seductive alongside aching wistful vocals, all tied together with beautiful simplicity to really radiate the easy listening lushness from each track. As a singer song writer, Taylor is suited towards those who appreciate the work of such artists as Jack Johnson, perhaps providing just a dash of organic unpolished spark to distinguish him from such peers. Indeed, like Johnson, Taylor can also provide the toe tapping numbers that help to add some spark to his album; such is the case with final track 'Lady Magic', a funk tinged track that sees Taylor finding a soul persona beneath his lush balladeery skin. Sadly though, these are few and far between and there is a tendency for tracks on 'Another Run Around The Sun' to blend into one another, a shame when Taylor can so obviously shine as an accomplished singer song writer.
Considering this is Taylor's first album without the backing of his band, 'Another Run Around The Sun' is a promising album that should find a place amongst the contemporary adult audience who crave the silky smoothness of a melodically calming singer songwriter. Taylor has not rewritten the rule book, creating an album that adheres to the basic singer songwriter formula. What he has done is added a fistful of daringly honest lyrics that allows him to pour his heart and soul into each track for the listener to devour. Uncompromisingly honest and with a true organic talent that others can only dream of having, Taylor undoubtedly will find a place in the hearts of the easy listeners.