Artist: Brett Dennen Album: Loverboy

Year: 2011
Duration: 0:0-1

Loverboy by Brett Dennen: A Critical Review

Brett Dennen is a folk-pop artist whose 2006 album So Much More catapulted him into the mainstream music scene. Known for his soulful and meaningful lyrics, Dennen has released several albums since then, with Loverboy, his fifth studio album, being one of his best works. In this critical review, we'll dive into the album's overall theme, the best and most innovative tracks, and a fair assessment of Loverboy as a whole.

The album's genre is heavily folk-pop, with 1970s-era influences and socially conscious lyrics. Dennen's ubiquitous use of the guitar and the backing of a harmonica creates a folksy yet contemporary sound throughout the album. From San Francisco to Blessed, the album's versatile lyrics tackle a range of topics from nostalgia and love to politics and war, which is a stark contrast to Dennen's earlier works.

One of the best songs from the album is Make You Fall in Love with Me, which is a soulful ballad that showcases Dennen's vocal range and guitar skills. The combination of strings, piano, and backing vocals by female artist Mandy Moore creates depth that transforms the song into an emotional journey. Another highlight from the album is Closer to You, a romantic track that echoes how the author intentively wants to be close to their lover.

Loverboy's most innovative aspect is Dennen's ability to blend elements of pop and country into folk, creating a genre-bending sound that deviates from the conventionally expected sound of folk music. The incorporation of female backing vocals, the use of brass, and even the inclusion of a hip-hop beat on tracks such as Dancing at a Funeral are proof of this.

A critic of the album is that it may feel too polished for some contemporary folk lovers. The album could lose authenticity due to its polished-up sound. However, the album's varied themes, meaningful lyrics, and artistic construction compensate for this. Also, the title track Loverboy may feel too long at times, especially with its seven-minute runtime, although there is a real sense of development throughout the song.

With Loverboy, Brett Dennen displays his artistic versatility and musical depth, blending diverse genres and socially conscious lyrics into one exquisite piece of work. While not all tracks may please everyone, it is hard to deny Dennen's strength in creating meaningful and heartfelt music that can engage the soul. Loverboy is a must-have for both folk and pop music lovers, and it provides an excellent introduction to Dennen's work for newcomers. Although it may feel a tad bit polished for some, it does not detract from the overall beauty of the album. As a result, Brett Dennen has once again won his way into our hearts with Loverboy.