Album Review: Ben Hutcheson - Ben Hutcheson
An emerging Country Rock artist from South West England.
Ben is the new generation of the recent pedigree of fresh English singer/songwriters. Critiqued as bridging the storytelling gap between the likes of Passenger, Ed Sheeran and Scotty McCreery.
Research into Ben Hutcheson as an artist has really impressed me, such a clean presentation and portfolio. His enthusiasm and devotion for his field shows in every aspect of his work and performances.
Although I have a personal taste for the outlaw side of country rock, I am totally blown away by Hutcheson, his vocals and spirit are quite charming and a few minutes into his debut album will tell you he will be quite the country-rock heartthrob we didn't know we needed.
The debut Album, self titled Ben Hutcheson, opens with a warm, upbeat, charming larger-than-life track “Summer of Seventeen” with catchy choruses and beautifully flowing structure of highs and lows. I love the opening that creates quite a stir in the listener, the tension heightens as each instrument introduces itself. I have spotted a slight Americanised accent in the way Hutcheson vocalizes, not only will this boost his reputation amongst the British Country-rock scene but I have great belief Hutcheson and band will have great success over the pond in America.
“Poison” Takes it a little bit slower but doesn’t drop the upbeat flow, the acoustics are now accompanied by light-hearted piano chords, playful bass riffs and a steady drum beat, the lyrics paints a picture of a beautiful, blonde siren, perhaps a romantic dedication or a subtle warning, after all this lady has also infiltrated your mind,as you will not stop singing “...All the time she's on your mind, she's poison, she’s dangerous”
Solitary space of vocals and guitar make way for such delicate simplistic textures “Forest Of Our Hearts” is a beautiful love story reminiscing on old days and romance including a lovely duet with sweet female vocals. I love how the lyrics progress from “I can't find home” to “I finally found my home”. The ending of this track is so humble and sweet too, the finer details I also fall in love with, I’m so glad the little giggles at the end were kept -it finalizes the track like a dream. Following this “Mistakes” is a track that surprised me a little- sounded almost like a punk track in the beginning with that rusty distortion coming through. Packing a little force “Tell me to my face, give it to me straight I don’t wanna be another mistake.” is one very catchy chorus I adore the overlap of clean lead guitars entwining and dueling, very satisfying texture to my ears during the break. One of my favourite tracks on the album. It ends with chilling “oohs” and staggered instrumental stops. Chef’s kiss.
Another track that really stood out to me “Keep The light On” There’s sadness and overcoming in this, on the topic of questioning one’s own strength and value. Perhaps the most emotive on the album in my opinion, it starts out slow poetic and constant until you get to the 3:38 minute mark you’ll be so impressed because OOOOOF that lift -those soulful guitar solos show so much spirit and energy and the gruffness in the vocals to really push out that final message, it really gave me chills. This song in particular is going to be a listener's source of strength for sure. It’s such a deep and meaningful song that I want to emphasize that people NEED to listen to.
Overall, the debut album is so easy going, romantic and relatable to all people. There’s so much to pick out from each song, all uniquely poetic and colourful. Ben Hutcheson has such a vibrant career ahead of him and also all contributors playing and singing alongside him have not gone unnoticed for their talents. I am so glad I got the opportunity to review this album. It is an enriching piece of art, it really surprised me on how much I have come to like it by the end of my “dissection”. Brilliant.
