If you're a fan of melodic pop/rock, it's hard to go wrong with the music of Greg Laswell. He seems to have a never-ending supply of the stuff. Never is that more evident than on his new disc, "Take A Bow". From start to finish, this album has hooks and melodies galore, and practically every song has a chorus that is unforgettable.
There's a good chance you may have heard some of Laswell's work even if his name doesn't ring a bell. Television has fallen in love with his music, and shows such as True Blood, The Hills, CSI: Miami and Grey's Anatomy have utilized his songs, with Grey's Anatomy using no less than six different songs during its run. One of those six songs "Off I Go", recorded specifically for the 2009 season finale, is included here in a new mix.
Laswell's music certainly draws comparisons to such artists as Coldplay ("Around The Bend" sounds like a missing track from 'Parachutes'), Mat Kearney and even Beck at times vocally. His deep, silky-smooth voice is a thing of wonder and suits the mid-tempo ballads that are his specialty perfectly.
"Take A Bow" is a collection of twelve mid-tempo and slower ballads, but unlike past material, Laswell says he was in a happier place when it was recorded. Past works have dealt with such heavy topics as his divorce, but there are plenty of declarations of love here. The moody piano ballad "My Fight (For You)" is a vow for undying and unconditional love as he promises, "There is nothing that I won't do for you here/There is nothing that can stand up to my fight for you."
The title cut is the emotional centerpiece of the album and its prettiest moment. Based around acoustic guitar, with some piano and slide guitar added, he encourages and offers support to a friend in need, singing "Take a bow/'cuz you played your heart out/And take your time/with working the rest out/And try and stay out of your head/I have seen you invent the damndest things there." It's as lovely a song as I've heard from him.
Other highlights include "Come Clean" with it's organ/vocal verses and electric guitar heavy choruses, the acoustic ballad "Let It Ride" with its sad, sighing harmonies and album closer "Goodbye" which opens with the ultimate kiss-off to a failed relationship, "It was really nice to meet you, goodbye".
It's frustrating that this guy is not all over the radio, especially the AAA format considering the love Mat Kearney gets on there. Laswell is simply a better songwriter, but such is life in today's music world. Don't miss out on "Take A Bow" if this type of music appeals to you. You simply can't get the songs out of your head once you've heard them. Highly recommended.You can stream the entire album below.
Greg Laswell - Take A Bow by Vanguard Records"Take A Bow" was released in the U.S. May 4, 2010 on Vanguard Records.
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