ARTIST:
BEN RECTOR


ALBUM:
INTO THE MORNING


KEY TRACKS:
WORLD MOVING BACKWARDS
WHEN A HEART BREAKS
LOVING YOU IS EASY


"Please believe me that the world's moving backwards"


It's always nice to listen to somebody who's a local!  A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Rector has relocated the Nashville to continue his career as a singer/songwriter.  Rector has enjoyed relative success in music with heartfelt songs and has seemingly toured non-stop to promote them.  What's resulted is a growing legion of fans who appreciate music in its purest form, simple melodies with meaningful lyrics.  Ben Rector's music is very easy on the years and his rich voice (with quite an impressive range) is a nice addition. 


Rector's songs are heavily piano based and often take the form of catchy pop tunes.  The subjects are also common ones in pop songs:  your first love, being away from someone you love, brutal breakups, etc.  Since these themes are so common in music today, Rector's music comes across as a bit too safe sometimes.  More like PG-rated.  But still, Rector's commitment to simplicity is admirable.  


The album's first track, The Beat, is a great opener for an album, and much like its name the beat is the best part.  However, common in songwriting, there has to be a hook to pull you in and that isn't quite introduced until the second track Loving You is Easy.  Ironically loving this track is easy because of the happy go lucky melodies and quirky, lovable lyrics:  "One cause you're the only one for me, two is for you and I hope you agree.  Three is for the words that you're making me speak: I love you it's so easy."


Even more amusing is Ben Rector reiterates his simplicity as a songwriter in this song by boldly stating:  "over thinking is over-rated and that's something you should know".  I agree.  


Moving Backwards is the best track on the album.  This is where you hear  Rector's true strength:  his vocals.  This track really gives Rector the opportunity to show off the dynamic range of his voice in the vocally demanding chorus.


Bottom line, the more I listen to this album, the less I hear the words that Rector sings because I'm distracted by his extraordinary voice.  Give him a listen, and maybe you'll do the same.

LISTEN: WORLD MOVING BACKWARDS  |  WHEN A HEART BREAKS  |  LOVING YOU IS EASY   

NEXT WEEK:  Camille  |  Le Fil