Customer Reviews

American Scream

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I actually had the now unique pleasure of walking into a music store, noticing American Scream alphabetized in the pop/rock section, and purchasing it with actual money that I had in pocket. I cannot even remember the last time I bought an album old school. And that may well be the last time as, quite unfortunately, that very music store closed its doors for good only weeks after I made that purchase.

Being familiar with some of his previous work and reading some positive feedback on this release, I expected to hear a good album. What I got instead was a fantastic album, the very best P.J. Olsson release to date! And it only took two listening sessions to come to that conclusion.

A Million Stars opens this largely acoustic album in a nicely understated manner. I felt one of the weaknesses of some of his previous work was a heavy-handed use of electronic enhancements. With many of the songs here, Olsson approached said electronic flourishes with a "less is more" sort of mindset. The end result are songs that are allowed to connect with the listener in a more sentimental way.

My personal favorites actually comprise half of this album, and not just for the music since Olsson's lyrical sensibilities appear better than ever. I have yet to grow weary of The Minute's Gone, She Says to Fly, Rain Song, or beautiful Morning Girl which will touch anyone with a daughter. Everything Old is New Again might not ever get played on the radio, but it is the sort of quality song that makes a whole album experience satisfying. The Dream tastefully brings American Scream full circle. While I do like the bonus track at the end, I find myself stopping my player before it begins in order to preserve the mood The Dream establishes.

I first became familiar with P.J. Olsson's soaring vocal performances from a number of concerts he performed with The Alan Parsons Live Project. Many of those songs are very difficult to sing as they tend to be quite demanding of the lead vocalist. If there is one regret I personally harbor despite the strength of the songwriting, it is that none of these songs really give the listener a sense of just what Olsson is capable of delivering vocally in the spotlight of a live performance.

I saw PJ with Alan Parsons and loved his voice. While I don't usually like 90's artists- they are always too concerned with the words and often don't match the music well- PJ is worth the listen. He is great with Parsons if you get a chance go see them.

This is an incredible album. And I love the bonus track. Heard it on Aliens In America. Fantastic!

PJ's latest work is captivating - my favorites are The Dream, A Million Stars, Morning Girl - all fantastic. PJ so deserves national attention - he is such a talent. Here we go!!