From his album Dream Out Loud, singer/songwriter Rob Alexander introduces the world to “Olivia”. Knowing full well that he’s having trouble shaking her from his mind, the same holds true for the listener. “Olivia” is a pop flavoring that has jazzy and funky leanings. Alexander’s natural harmony, and catchy hooks make “Olivia” a hum along, tap along hit. Proving to be both a capable crooner and feisty lyricist, Alexander keeps the listener wanting more and listening for whatever it is around the corner – “Olivia” is a keeper.
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Sounding like a voice that is a cross between Elton John and Elvis Costello, Alexander meets somewhere on the backside. At times his voice has the grit of a long-time club performer, and during other moments in the song, he sings with angelic melody. You’ll always be in my heart tonight, woah, woah, he sings. When he sings the word ‘always’ he reaches a higher harmony, doing the same again in the next stanza when he sings ‘carry’. I think these little embellishments give the song a different tenor, yes, but also a different side to the artist. It gives him some sensitivity and even some endearment brushed up against the always-prevalent, crunchy rhythm guitar. You can fall prey to the guitar – it’s that engaging and on the forefront. It was unexpected and the riffs definitely work for a song like “Olivia”. I think in a way the guitar is a way to convey that love is rocky and not always smooth. That sound and that tone immediately captures that zone.
Given this dynamic, as well as the brassy sounds happening during the chorus, Alexander’s music bed is vibrant and interesting. I think he weaves these sounds with an organ (Hammond B, perhaps), but I’m really not certain. That’s my main guess because the overall vibe Alexander exudes is New York, vintage. If you really just close your eyes and listen to this song, it has the bounce of Brooklyn, the lights and harmonies of Broadway and the rock riffs from Long Island or across the Hudson. I like how this song feels nocturnal and lofty. You feel taller, you feel brighter listening. Alexander sings like he’s revealing his dreams. He’s an open book and leaves his heart on his sleeve. If the lyrics are any indication of his artistry, he has in “Olivia” an engaging storyline, a bit of personality and highly entertaining.
He can’t escape this woman, even from his thoughts. He builds her up, and though things have ended, as a listener I felt like they never really ended. His heart and his mind can’t let her go. Those are always some of the best songs, right? It’s a universal thing, whether one realizes it or not. I think the rhythm and the groove of the song is eclectic enough where I didn’t feel like I was on the same path of just another love song. I think the music mirrors the jubilation, heartache, joy and pain of a relationship all-at-once.
Rachel Townsend