The tracks on this album are stained with some tears, colored with a bit of lonesome and some have just plain seen better days while others remain re-markedly optimistic. These songs are human in their nature because no matter what you throw at them, they have all had to stand back up again and keep going. Even when you have to be reminded of all the "Times", the good times, the not so good times and everything in between - these songs have some life on them that you aren't going to get with an artist that doesn't have some life on him. So Justin has been through it in the six years since the release of "Runaway" and he's come out the other side a stronger, more resilient man.
It seems like Justin
took everything that he had in him and created these gigantic songs. Each
song is staggeringly over four minutes, with Great Escape coming
in at almost 6 minutes. In today's market of easy bite size songs, these
are just so big and actually unheard of. They are anthemic, they are
theatrical and they have more than just legs to stand on. The have weight
and meaning and in most cases...each song casts it's own shadow. It is a
solid object that doesn't ask for your time, they demand it. From track
to track, each song has a life of its own and they have all been produced
expertly. From Harmonicas to Fiddles and Violins and Organs to a simple
piano arrangement, each song is filled to the brim with the perfect amount of
instrumentation that helps breathe life into it.
His patented blend of
Alt-Rock, Country, Pop and a little bit of everything else he can pack into a
track come across seamlessly and without effort. His vocals perfectly
accentuate the carefully crafted lyrics and he just has a way of saying exactly
what he means in a manner that transcends boundaries. He's honest and that comes through in his words and vocals. He transitions
between genres with a fluidity of someone that has been in the industry for
years.
Track Listing:
Nothing This Real
The title track of the
album has this subtle power built into it and pulls you through a journey of
awakening. It seems like someone that has been trapped in a self-imposed
world of subjugation to the media or an addiction or a lover and it's time
they've made the decision to strike out of this prison and make it on their
own. But what happens if their new reality doesn't match what they've
been living with. Was it the right decision? The anxiety of
standing on your own two feet can be deafening at times but you know you have
to make the right decision and just try.
Great Escape
If one song could
encompass everything a person feels when they have made their mind up to have
their own rite of passage or coming of age story, this song is the one.
The theme of taking that first step continues from the first track but
with Great Escape it takes you out of the comfort zone of
home. You've made the decision to go, you've said your goodbyes, the car
is loaded up and you're ready to go. Trepidation sets in but you know
it's the right thing to do. Whether it's across the country or into a new
relationship, it's generally not the destination that's important but the trip.
Your looking back on what you've left behind and it's going to be ok,
you're going to stand on your own two feet or you’re going to fall flat
on your face but you're doing it on your own terms.
State Of Loneliness
Even when you're in a
room full of people it's amazing how lonely you can feel when everything
comes unraveling around you. You've done everything you can in
your power to keep things alive but no matter what you do, it's not enough.
It's all just slipping through your fingers and you can't stop it and all
you can do it watch it come crashing down around you.
This Time
Even the worst of times
are important because they put the good times in perspective. Take every
moment and do everything you can in your power to make it important because
you're never going to get it back to do again. This song is superbly
optimistic and makes you realize that sometimes when things seem horrible, they
aren't because you've had the opportunity to learn and grow from the other
experiences.
Guided Back To You
Every single person has
been in this situation. You know it by heart and it's honest and it hurts
and it put you through hell. Life has put you through it and you don't
really know which was is up but with a hope and some luck, things will work out
the way they should. You don't know which way to turn but you have the
smallest glimmer of faith. This is probably one of my most favorite
tracks on the album because through all my pessimism, I still believe in just a
bit of "magic".
Moment For Me
Harmonicas are not
nearly used enough in music. I think it’s one instrument that has a sound
that can be so indicative of a feeling you immediately know where it's going.
It can either be happy and carefree or in this case it just sounds
lonesome. There is so much apprehension built in this song it's almost
palpable. You're laying it all one the line and you've held your breath
waiting on the answer. Did I make a mistake? Did I say too much?
Everything that can pass in a hairs breath is going through your mind.
I'll take the consequence, no matter what it is but the silence is
killing me. This song is a slow waltz. It's a lullaby. It's
heart wrenching because of the uncertainty. It's everything in one moment
and it hurts and it's terrifying all at the same time but you will get through
it. I am 150% in love with this song.
It Is What It Is
Sometimes things are so
far out of your control, you just have to throw your hands up and say,
"Whatever". I can't make you change. I can't make up your
mind for you so it's just...whatever. I tried everything I could and I
fought the good fight but I just can't do it anymore. It's all been laid
out for you to see and regardless of what decision you make, I've made my peace
with it. The fiddle on this song is perfect and the song has just a carefree
vibe because sometimes, It is What It is.
Behind My Eyes
You try to be a pillar
of strength but sometimes all you can do is put on a brave face and soldier on.
It may not be the best decision but it's for the best. You're on
your own and it's terrifying and it's hard but it's what you have to do.
You've kept his phone number, just in case but you don't want to betray
yourself and have to use it. Another song that's so heartfelt and honest
because this is an emotional state that everyone, whether or not they want to
admit it has been put in.
In July
You've made a stand.
You've done everything you're supposed to do. But not matter how hard you
fight, you're still out in the cold. It doesn't make sense and it's not
fair. Justin and a piano don’t get much better than this. There are so
many emotions the song evokes and it's hard and it's desolate but through the
struggle and the fight and all the garbage you've had to go through but you
will make it through because it can't suck every day. There are days when
it is better. You just have to fight for them and before you know it,
it's August and July seems so long ago.
Stand For Something
(Live)
His award winning single
recorded live at Utah Pride on June 5th. That's right this is a live
recording. As you can hear, his voice is clean and without modification.
That's the sign of a true artist to me. If you can see them live
and they sound like they do on the album, they are an amazing artist. No
auto-tune, no digital clean up. Just Justin. This song is so important
because it is a message of hope and courage and as long as you stand up for
your beliefs, things will work out in the end.
I know I have been super
wordy with this review but I felt this album deserved it. I am a huge fan
of Justin because he is an amazing artist. I love listening to him and
will continue to support him in any way I can. I've said it before...if
you're a fan of American music, quality American music; please support this
artist because there aren't many out there that support us the way he does.
He travels tirelessly from event to event promoting his message of
strength and hope and I think the world needs a bit more of that.
LINKS
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/justinutleymusic
myspace: http://www.myspace.com/JustinUtley
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JustinUtley
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