Customer Reviews

Loverboy

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Brett says it himself: "This album is about having fun and letting go." It's upbeat, but with enough smarts to not be overly sugary pop. It's not the "social commentary Brett", it's a melange of funky, poppy, funny, living-life Brett.

If you don't come with any pre-conceptions or expectations and just listen, you will tap your toes and bob your head. Isn't that what we all need sometimes?

Brett Dennen's music changes from album-to-album, because he changes from album-to-album. If you've seen him live more than once, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about; every time he comes around, he's digging on something new and singing in new pitches and rhythms.

Loverboy is dance rock. I'm loving it. I'm playing it in the office and can hear everyone tapping their toes.

I can't wait to see him in Boston this year, so I can dance with my girlfriend to his new music.

Brett, you're the man!

Brilliant stuff. I mostly get my music for free but Brett Dennen was definitely worth buying. You should also buy the CD "so much more"
Also look up Mumford and Sons and The Shins. My Favorite Brett Dennen son is Ain't No Reason on his "So Much More" album.

My first review, since this album compelled me to write about it.

Upon first listen, I didn't know what to make of this album. I have all of Brett's CDs after falling in love with Hope for the Hopeless. While, this album is very different than the rest, I absolutely love it, and can listen to it over. It's nearly perfect adult/alternative/pop/folk with a touch of ska/funk.

Surprise, Surprise - the closest to the "old" Brett. A bit introspective, yet still melodic and somewhat upbeat.

Dancing at a Funeral - not one of favorites, but a cute song with a cute message during a bad time

Comeback Kid - A catchy little ditty

Frozen in Slow Motion - the best slow song on the album.

Sydney - No matter how many times I listen to this song, I still love it.

Make You Fall in Love With Me - Instantly puts you in a good mood and makes you want to dance.

Must be Losing My Mind - Great funky beat and lyrics


Don't have time to go on. But if you're in the mood to party, smile, listen to upbeat fun music, this CD is the best... especially for summer It reminds me of a mix of Paul Simon, Matthew Sweet, No Doubt/Sublime, and others throughout.. all and all being Brett Dennen.

I picked this up because of the Sydney (I'll Come Running) tune. And while there are a few clunkers, if you like that tune, you'll like the rest. He's got an awesome way with lyrics and is able to string words together so they tell a very tuneful story. I picked up the vinyl version and it came the MP3 download card so I got one of the bonus tracks out there. The vinyl sounds crisp and clear. One of the best sounding pieces of wax I've heard all year.

I have to say I was really looking forward to this album and the fact that it is almost three years since 2008's "Hope For the Hopeless" only raised my expectations. In 2007 Dennen was named by Rolling Stone magazine as an "Artist to Watch" and in 2008, Entertainment Weekly called him one of its eight "Guys on the Rise" and certainly the "Hope..." album confirmed that he certainly had talent and promise.
So why is "Loverboy" such a disappointing album? Were my expectations too high, or was Dennen over-hyped to the point where he was destined to fail? There are certainly some bright, poppy songs on the first half of this album, so much so that it sounds like he's been listening to the back catalogues of Van Morrison and Paul Simon. That said, he's certainly not in the same league as those two and I'm afraid that the initial charm of "Sydney", "Comeback Kid" or "Surprise, Surprise" fades very quickly due to lack of real substance.
What made "Hope..." such a promising album is sadly lacking here and it sounds as if Dennen is really trying too hard. The confident narrative of "San Francisco", the beautiful, understated "Heaven" and the pained determination of "Ain't Gonna Lose You" all but seem to have disappeared. And if anyone tries to tell me that "Queen of The Westside" is experimental, I'll give up on all this new music and go back to my King Crimson vinyl.
I'm not saying this is a bad album, because it's not, it just fails to progress or deliver on so many points. If you're new to Brett Dennen I'd suggest you give this a miss and start with his previous album.

I loved his past albums, but this one doesn't do it for me. I prefer his slower, deeper songs. This album is much more upbeat and superficial, which is fine if you are into that sort of thing, but I am not. The lyrics are just so pointless on this album, or at least they don't invoke the need to think. Too pop sounding for me. Again, not saying it is a horrible album, just not what I like or expected from him. Why all the talk about "growth?" I think it is so silly that anytime an artist changes his/her style, they are "growing." It is possible for people to digress, which is how I see this album, as his others had so much meaning and this one is just about a fun sound. That's my opinion, take it or leave it. If you love the album I'm happy, but as for myself, I'm not enjoying the majority of it.

BD has done it again! Loverboy is overstuffed w/ gems. Heard Sydney on the radio a couple weeks ago, have been really looking forward to this since. Comeback Kid, Sydney, Make You Fall in Love With Me and Song For Leaving are early favs, excited to really dig in. Has much more of a full band vibe, can't wait to see these songs live. Party on, BD. Party on.

In this Summertime surf-rock album Loverboy, Brett Dennen switches his distinct acoustic set for a trite full band. His voice isn't quite as clear or strong as Jason Mraz or Jack Johnson, but he still has the soul and cheery twang to lift your mood. All the staples of the genre are hear, switching from organ to George-Harrison electric guitar to ukelele. Single Comeback Kid has the spunk of an underdog team scoring run after run in a climax victory scene. But the entire album settles too easily, breaking no new ground, establishing no higher expertise.

Considering he's worked with Afrobeat legends Femi Kuti and is currently touring with Rodrigo y Gabriella (and C.U.B.A.), Brett Dennen has it in him to create truly engrossing world rock. As it is, Brett Dennen covers international ground in delivering familiar pleasantries.

Still, If I was a girl, I'd want to be his girlfriend because his simple love songs, most notably Can't Stop Thinking, convey so much worldly experience and base feeling. You can't help but returning his love.

Actually I gambled on purchasing this CD and on this purchase I lost, 1 good song and 1 other that was Okay. The rest were just not good in my books. No I would not recommend.