Ben Taylor - Listening

  by Carl Bookstein

published: 5 / 10 / 2013

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Ben Taylor hit the ground running- a distinctive artist and voice from his debut album, 2003’s 'Famous among the Barns', onward. Taylor’s fourth album 'Listening' is played in an amalgam of styles, from folk to soul to country and western. Taylor’s vocal style is warm, familiar and welcoming. The opener, the title track 'Listening' is introspective and thoughtful, easy folk music that glows and follows in the tradition of his father James Taylor. The lyric is soul searching: “I am trying to find myself/All I need is a little help.” If these words sound a bit uncertain, the music comes across as very self-assured. 'Oh Brother' is soulful and rhythm and blues inflected. Taylor’s narrator serves as a cheerleader to his audience: “Oh brother, once you realize you’re a star/You’re going to shine so bright.” 'Not Alone' likewise serves up a large dose of comfort, Taylor’s voice taking on sweet hushed tones. Taylor’s vocals always seem to possess the down home feeling of listening to an old friend. 'Vespa’s Song' is poignant, truthfully ringing with the discovery of an unexpected new love. 'America' walks a fine line between hopeful and lovingly critical: “America, we can keep on dreaming/But there’s so much to do.” 'Shade or Shine' is a lovely ballad that gets to rocking with some fine guitar work. The moving highlight 'Next Time Around' is the compelling country and western style closer: “I’m gone for the ocean/I’m gone for the sea… But I’ll see you the next time around.” Ben Taylor set the bar high from his very first album, but succeeds capably on this, his fourth and latest outing, 'Listening'.

Track Listing:-

1 Listening
2 Oh Brother
3 Not Alone
4 Giulia
5 Worlds Are Made of Paper
6 Vespa's Song
7 America
8 Burning Bridges
9 You Could Be Mine
10 Shade or Shine
11 Next Time Around

Band Links:-

http://www.bentaylormusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/bentaylormusic
https://twitter.com/bentaylorhq
http://bentaylormusic.tumblr.com/tour
https://www.youtube.com/user/bentaylorofficialmus

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