Stephen Garrett
I've got a new favorite album to blast through my Mustang convertible speakers, and it's "Four Letter Word" by Stephen Garrett.
From the driving beat of the opening track "Someone To Love", Stephen immediately kicks it into high gear with music and lyrics reminiscent of something that could have fit nicely on Springsteen's classic road trip album "Born To Run."
"I need a fast car. I need a moving train. I need something to get my mind of things. I need an angel to spread her wings and wrap her love 'round me."
The rest of the album finds Stephen's characters looking and longing for love on songs impeccably produced by Stephen's longtime musical partner, his brother Russell. Stephen's voice & songwriting, merged with Russell's production, seem to reveal rootsy pop/rock influences like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Steve Earle, Ryan Adams, Pete Yorn, The Wallflowers and Jackson Browne. If any or all of these artists are up your alley, then you will absolutely love the collection of songs that the Garrett brothers have compiled for you on "Four Letter Word."
In addition to upbeat pop/rock songs like "Looking For Love" and "Everybody Knows", Stephen shows us his tender in the lyrics of "Singing Along."
"And the words you say, fall down like rain, on broken melodies. Though life's playing a sad, sad song, your heart keeping singing along."
Jackson Brown could not have written it any finer.
Then there's the album's heartbroken closer, the beautiful "Still Be Loving You." Just like the character in the song who will continually revisit the emotions he has for his lost love, I find myself drawn to listen to this song over and over again. And each time, I am moved by the opening lines.
"Say my name and scream it loud, as if it is profane. Take my heart and rip it out, so I don't feel a thing. And I'll still be loving you."
The beauty of "Four Letter Word" is that it manages to sound fresh while at the same time feeling like an old favorite that has been in your album collection for years. I know this is definitely one of those albums that already has a permanent place in my heart.
Take a ride looking for love with Stephen Garrett, and you'll know exactly what I mean!
Cheers,
Johnny T
From the driving beat of the opening track "Someone To Love", Stephen immediately kicks it into high gear with music and lyrics reminiscent of something that could have fit nicely on Springsteen's classic road trip album "Born To Run."
"I need a fast car. I need a moving train. I need something to get my mind of things. I need an angel to spread her wings and wrap her love 'round me."
The rest of the album finds Stephen's characters looking and longing for love on songs impeccably produced by Stephen's longtime musical partner, his brother Russell. Stephen's voice & songwriting, merged with Russell's production, seem to reveal rootsy pop/rock influences like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Steve Earle, Ryan Adams, Pete Yorn, The Wallflowers and Jackson Browne. If any or all of these artists are up your alley, then you will absolutely love the collection of songs that the Garrett brothers have compiled for you on "Four Letter Word."
In addition to upbeat pop/rock songs like "Looking For Love" and "Everybody Knows", Stephen shows us his tender in the lyrics of "Singing Along."
"And the words you say, fall down like rain, on broken melodies. Though life's playing a sad, sad song, your heart keeping singing along."
Jackson Brown could not have written it any finer.
Then there's the album's heartbroken closer, the beautiful "Still Be Loving You." Just like the character in the song who will continually revisit the emotions he has for his lost love, I find myself drawn to listen to this song over and over again. And each time, I am moved by the opening lines.
"Say my name and scream it loud, as if it is profane. Take my heart and rip it out, so I don't feel a thing. And I'll still be loving you."
The beauty of "Four Letter Word" is that it manages to sound fresh while at the same time feeling like an old favorite that has been in your album collection for years. I know this is definitely one of those albums that already has a permanent place in my heart.
Take a ride looking for love with Stephen Garrett, and you'll know exactly what I mean!
Cheers,
Johnny T
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