CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artis: Jonathan Clay
Album: Back to Good (2007 Self released)
Tracks: 11
Artist website: https://www.facebook.com/JonathanClay/
OVERVIEW
This is the second album of Austin, Texas, based singer-songwriter Jonathan Clay. The writing on this record is pretty good. The arrangements could have been a bit stronger. The production quality is great. Jonathan’s voice is very good.
The hardest part about being a singer-songwriter in today’s market is setting yourself apart from all the other singer-songwriters out there. This album sounds like a lot of others out there. There really wasn’t a single track that made me sit up and really take note of Jonathan’s writing. It’s nice listening music. It is polite and unobtrusive. In some spots, a bit bland.
In general, I think most singer-songwriters are scared of making music with a punch. Hit me with something that sticks and makes me remember you. You don’t have to sacrifice being delicate if you have a bit more punch in your sound. That’s what smart use of dynamics teaches good musicians.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Get You Out, She, December
PLAY BY PLAY
Track 1 – Around and Around
This song has a nice feel and groove to it.
Track 2 – After All
I didn’t really like the arrangement for this recording of this song. It’s a pretty song, but could have used a different arrangement.
Track 3 – A Little Time
Meh.
Track 4 – Get You Out
Cool track.
Track 5 – Back to Good
Meh.
Track 6 – She
Cool track. There’s some very nice guitar work on this track.
Track 7 – Everything
Great guitar work on this track.
Track 8 – More Than A Picture
I always like a 6/8 track.
Track 9 – Can’t Be That Crazy
I wish the arrangement was stronger for this track. This could have been the one that caught my attention. I wish there was a bit more punch to this track.
Track 10 – New Design
Meh.
Track 11 – December
Pretty and honest. Simple. This worked well.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
A big thank you to John’s manager Mark for sending in this CD! We really appreciated it.