It’s about time. If you’ve been a fan of Joseph O’Brien for any stretch of time you’ve thought to yourself, “When is he going to release a full length album?” At last, it’s here and I believe it was worth the wait. So where do we start?
First, the good. Joseph O’Brien’s style is unashamedly pop with a dash of rock and the occasional folk vibe sprinkled in. It’s clear his roots are in bands like Relient K and Owl City, and he showcases the best of each throughout the album. Tracks like “Trust Fall,” “Looking Down,” and “ICU” lean heavily into the pop realm and Owl City influences, while tracks like “What’s Good For Me?” and “Better” lean into Relient K’s pop-rock style (not to mention a solid cover of Relient K’s “High of 75”). There are some catchy surprises, like with “Only You,” that help flesh out the album as well. Then, near the end of the album, is “Listen To Me,” which is a sincere reflection on a lost brother who never gave his life to the Lord. If given the chance to see him and share the love of Christ, Joseph asks, “Would he listen to me?” And lastly, “Open My Eyes” is heartfelt prayer asking God to wake him up that deserves some recognition, too.
Now, the not-so-good. Right in the middle of the album are two of the most “skippable” songs. “Sentimental Prison” and “Upside Down” are the least inspired songs musically. Their themes are fine, but they don’t have the same spark as the other songs do. And by the midpoint of each song, I find myself wondering how long until it’s over. “More and More” is another average song, but again, it doesn’t standout. And lastly, “Slow Down Solomon” is a little too out there stylistically — or, at least, it doesn’t feel like the right song to end the album with. I’d much prefer “Listen To Me” as the last song because it carries such emotional weight and thoughtfulness.
Lastly, keeping it all in perspective, Joseph O’Brien is clearly a very talented singer-songwriter. This album bursts with energy while also having times for thoughtful reflection. The majority of this album is one that I will listen to from beginning to end, but the middle loses steam with two cookie-cutter feeling songs. In addition, a cynic might be tempted to notice many repeated tricks that Joseph uses in his songs, along with predictable dynamics. But an optimist would also see each song as expertly mixed, mastered, and arranged to have maximum effect. However you slice it, this is a very good first album for Joseph O’Brien. It hits all the notes you expect from him with a few standouts and welcomed surprises. This is definitely one I’ll come back to in the future.