Rock ‘n’ roll and soul music have always made great sonic bedfellows. One brings the fire, the other the finesse. So, when you merge the two genres, as Taylor Robert does so effortlessly on his latest album, Brighter Day, you end up with something pretty special. Roll ‘n’ Soul!
Rooted in a variety of sweet keyboard sounds, he creates gorgeous soundscapes that are either grooved up or downplayed, sent skyward through additional layers of instrumentation, or remain intimate and understated, as required. It is the perfect range of sounds to deliver an array of songs that echo the ups and downs of a difficult time in his life. Whilst it is an album that sees Robert pouring out his heart and trying to make sense of everything that has happened, the songs, the sound, and the sentiment are all relatable.
“Come Around Again” pretty much sums up that bewilderment of having to start over and not really understanding why: a slow, sensitive, soulful song with just a hint of the feeling of hope beyond reason that maybe this isn’t the end. This song, in my opinion, nails the theme of the album brilliantly.
But there is always a feeling of optimism running through the songs here. The opening title track grooves and moves on the idea that things are bound to improve, “Only Love” sounds like a big, 70’s soul classic, reminding us to be strong and there is even room for a bit of fun with “Jeep Truck” which sounds like Arlo Guthrie’s follow up to “Alice’s Restaurant.” Robert might struggle to understand where he is and how he came here, but at least he can laugh.
What a gorgeous album. Not just succinctly done but sensitive and soul-searching, intimate and relatable, full of vulnerability and hope, reflection, and optimism. We’ve all been there, but few of us have turned those difficult times into such a succulent sonic silver lining.
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