Fri, 01/18/2013 - 7:32 am

Australia may be best known (when it comes to music) for hard rock like AC/DC and Midnight Oil or rock based pop music like Men at Work, but a young lady named “Taylen” seems to be intent on changing that by putting modern pop on the Australian radar. Everything here seems to be designed and performed with the intent of invading the pop world and dominating it.While the primary single “Bonnie and Clyde” is nothing new and unheard before, it’s energetic and driving rhythmic texture and strong vocal performance make it a winner. “Drive” has some of the same musical elements and themes, but a bit rockier sound is managed through the guitar. The chorus is “All the Way” is amongst the most accessible and memorable of the whole set. “Run Away” is another with a bit more guitar sound. It’s also another successful pop cut.Taylen might only be 16 years old, but she has an amazing amount of talent. The Katy Perry’s of the world better watch out because Taylen seems to have her sights set on the pop domination that Perry and others currently possess. I hope they are looking in their rear view mirrors because they might find Taylen is watching them from in front sometime in the near future.

Tue, 04/08/2014 - 12:08 pm

There was a time when the singer/songwriter troubadour type of music seemed to be a dying breed. Then, somehow over the last couple decades it seems like there has been a resurgence of interest in just great songs, delivered with passion. That’s what this set really is. Sure, it has some range of musical style, but overall this is most like the great singer/songwriters of the 1970s, but with a modern sensibility.The opener “If I Can't Have You” has sort of a split personality. In some ways it feels like a folk rock, roots rock tune. At the same time, though, it has a real modern pop rock feeling to it. It’s got a catchy hook and is quite an accessible number. It’s a great way to start things in style.Although “Strange Paradise” more fully embraces the folk music side of things, it’s still got some pop rock elements in the mix.  “Time's Tickin' Away” represents a huge change. It has a big, horn laden arrangement and a real soulful vibe. It’s an energized powerhouse that’s a lot of fun.Banjo brings even more folk sound to “Nothing That I Do.” It’s energetic, though, combining folk, bluegrass and other Americana sounds into a satisfying mélange. “Time Won't Heal Me” is laid bare. It’s mellow and vulnerable. The music and vocals seem to convey the hurt and fragility of the lyrics.When the songs are this good, it really doesn’t require a lot of flashy musicianship or gimmicks. This is just great heartfelt music. It seems like that kind of thing would never go out of style, but at least it’s back in fashion now. Matthew Genovese joins a long line of singer/songwriters creating solid music. You can’t beat that.