Thursday, October 19, 2006

How about over by the couch?


RIGHT WHERE YOU WANT ME ~ Jesse McCartney

Lets not beat around the bush here, this guy is pop, pure and simple. I’ll admit that when I first saw what he looked like, horrid visions of Aaron Carter drove themselves into my brain and the thoughts of what music might spew forth from his mouth chilled me to the bone. But since my bro recommended him (and he has a fair idea what I do and don’t like) I gave him a chance. Jesse McCartney has now become something of a guilty pleasure for me. His brand of simple, harmless pop music is a breath of fresh air compared to my usual heady mix of urban/scores that dominate my playlists.

With his sophomore effort, Jesse has crafted a perfect pop record (in my humble opinion). The disc still bounces along with the same bright and breezy tone of his self-titled debut, but this time guitars are a little more prevalent. His voice has matured somewhat and thankfully the slight whine that often emerged during his higher notes has now been brought under control. This album is still aimed squarely at the teenage market, girls in particular, but that never stopped me enjoying such music before :P

After just a few listens, you’d swear you’d known these songs all your life. The style of some are reminiscent of classic Backstreet Boys (but acoustic, without the dated synth edge), while others almost verge on vintage 60s pop. Vocally, a few comparisons have been made with Adam Levine, and there’s no arguing that the standout track on the album “Feeling You” sounds like it could be straight off Maroon 5s next record (.....at least SOMEONES still making Maroon 5 songs, since the band themselves seem content to churn out one live album after another >:(

While a few of the tracks still cross that line into saccharine sweet, the majority of the album is right on the money. Pop aficionados will embrace this with open arms. Highly recommended :D

Standout Tracks:

  • Right Where You Want Me
  • Just So You Know
  • Blow Your Mind
  • Just Go
  • We Can Go Anywhere
  • Feelin You

No comments: