Harem Scarem singer Harry
Hess has completed his first solo album. The overall style for the album is melodic rock with pop influences. I knew that this album would be soft, but since Harry is the main songwriter in
Harem Scarem, I expected ballads in the vein of
Honestly. However, this collection of songs has a more modern approach.
When listening to the album it soon became clear that these songs couldn't be used in
Harem Scarem context. Especially since
Harem Scarem's last album had a more heavy and groovy feel. Basically the songs on "Just another Day" sound like rejected ideas for
Harem Scarem songs. Overall the songs are mediocre, but no song really stands out making it an average album.
The song structures are mostly a soft verse with only
Hess' voice, bass, drums and maybe some acoustic guitar. Then the song goes up-tempo for the chorus and an electric guitar kicks in. Songs like
Undone and
Everybody are structured that way.
The highlight of the album is Harry
Hess's strong voice. He has some really strong vocals that suit this style perfectly. Most songs build up for the chorus, which mainly is melodic. The great production of the album suits the smooth melodic rock.
"Just another Day" is perfect as background music. The album is good when reading the newspaper. The album doesn't really bother anyone. First time I raised an eyebrow was on album closer
Sentimental Blvd. This song has all the aspects that I miss on most of the other songs. My main criticism is lack of guitar on the album. On
Sentimental Blvd a great melodic guitar gives the song a rawer edge along with a tasteful piano. Not surprisingly
Sentimental Blvd. is an old
Harem Scarem song from the "Mood Swings" album.
Why is another song that features Pete Lesperance's guitar, who's skilled playing isn't challenged much on this release.
The album gets a bit tiring in the long run and that is despite a playing time of only 38 minutes.
This is not a bad album, but "Just another Day" is just a too average disc from an otherwise great singer.
Written by
Michael Monday, April 21, 2003
Show all reviews by MichaelRatingsMichael: 5.5/10Members: No members have rated this album yet.
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