The thirteen songs released on Rob Alexander’s third studio release Dream Out Loud cover a broad stylistic gamut. Listeners will find pure pop confections with a delicious modern bite, old school R&B tracks with an emphasis on the blues, and boisterous rock anthems with a bright contemporary sheen. He has worked with this cast of characters before; producer Gabe Lopez is back once again and members of Elton John’s band reappear to assist realizing the potential of these songs. This is a thoroughly invigorating effort that takes chances, stays true to itself, and yet casts its net wide. Many newcomers will finish hearing this album as true believers in his gifts.
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Those gifts are obvious from the first. “Yesterday’s News” has buoyancy that far more experienced performers struggle to muster. It is an all-around effort, no mistaking it, but the sheer affirmative zeal driving Alexander’s singing is the track’s marquee element. Despite the presence of legendary guitarist Davey Johnstone among his ranks, Alexander resists any temptation to make an album where it leads the way. The moments where the six string plays a prominent role, however, such as here, are memorable examples of how the guitar can still shape music in our modern world.
The album’s title song is, without question, an undisputable high point of this release. “Dream Out Loud” is one part statement of purpose, one part rock anthem, and a showcases Alexander’s ability for unifying audiences. It practically begs for a live interpretation. Davey Johnstone’s lead guitar never overshadows Alexander’s voice or the track’s other musical elements but grabs the lion’s share of listener’s attention. Gabe Lopez’s production gifts are apparent here and he surrounds “Dream Out Loud” with the same vital energy heard throughout its lyrics.
“A Song to Get Us Through” is a timely track, perhaps perennially so, but it will resonate after the last year plus more than other time in our recent history. Alexander’s rousing vocal doesn’t neglect phrasing the song’s words in such a way that it elevates the writing to the level of performed conversational poetry. The brash and booming arrangement for “Nothing to Be Afraid of Now” sounds like an authoritative march with recurring horns and a hard-hitting drum track. Alexander’s phrasing has welcome variety and lacks the predictability of other cuts. This is a song with definite mainstream appeal.
Dream Out Loud’s longest song, “Olivia”, doesn’t feel like it. The inexorable melodic progression aims straight for listener’s hearts rather than their head and the note of familiarity it strikes will undoubtedly help it reach a mass audience. Alexander’s energy is palpable. The album’s eighth song “Angel and Johnny” moves into different territory. The singing and lyrics have far more of a narrative focus than other songs and the nuanced musical texture is full of atmospherics without ever lapsing into melodrama. Rob Alexander’s third release Dream Out Loud is a winner packed with wisdom, joy, chagrin, and a sense of ultimate victory you find in few contemporary collections.
Rachel Townsend