The sophomore full-length by Andy Grammer was produced by veteran pop producer Jon Levine and it shows. Slick and glossy, the songs on Magazines or Novels are performed and produced with a goal -- conscious or not -- to match the massive success of the hit "Keep Your Head Up," from his self-titled debut -- not an easy thing to replicate, but this team gives it an honest try. As is often the case when following a successful debut, there is a bit of an identity crisis at work here: Grammer wrote or co-wrote everything here, ...
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The sophomore full-length by Andy Grammer was produced by veteran pop producer Jon Levine and it shows. Slick and glossy, the songs on Magazines or Novels are performed and produced with a goal -- conscious or not -- to match the massive success of the hit "Keep Your Head Up," from his self-titled debut -- not an easy thing to replicate, but this team gives it an honest try. As is often the case when following a successful debut, there is a bit of an identity crisis at work here: Grammer wrote or co-wrote everything here, and he seemingly did so with a careful ear to the radio. His first single, "Back Home," with its anthemic, near football-chanted male backing chorus, foregrounded banjo, and enormous tom-toms and kick drums is as catchy and appealing as mainstream pop gets. The L.A.-cum-Nashville swagger in "Honey I'm Good" melds the backing harmonies of Bruno Mars to Keith Urban's more easy grooving rock sensibility (though the overuse of Auto-Tune in the lead vocal was unnecessary), and could be a second single. More of Levine's effects -- laden production and slippery hip-hop rhythms -- haunt the foreground of "Masterpiece" while "Pushing" comes dangerously close to One Republic territory in both arrangement and production. "Red Eye," with its compressed loops, is offset by delicate synths in the intro and the backdrop, recalling Maroon 5, but it's bridged by an enormous backing chorus worthy of a Rihanna record. The closer, "Kiss You Slow," with its fat hip-hop loops and acoustic piano, ambient textures, and layered sound effects, is almost majestic in contrast, with Grammer's vulnerable vocal in the verse. Of course, this being a pop song, the backing singers on the refrain come across the front with enormity. On this last point, the backing choruses on virtually every song on Magazines or Novels make for excellent singalongs, perfect for the club or the car or even a sporting event. And that's on purpose. Every move here has been carefully calculated to engender fan support, sure, but to extend Grammer's reach toward a wider audience. With his appealing voice and good-natured charm, he will likely achieve just that. [A 2015 Deluxe Edition added six bonus tracks.] ~ Thom Jurek, Rovi
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Add this copy of Magazines Or Novels to cart. $8.17, good condition, Sold by Goodwill Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hillsboro, OR, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by S-Curve.
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Seller's Description:
Good. May have very light or no surface scratches. Case and cover artwork are included but may show minimal signs of wear. Slipcover may not be included.
Add this copy of Magazines Or Novels to cart. $8.17, fair condition, Sold by Goodwill of Colorado rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by S-Curve.
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Fair. All our items come in the original case with artwork, though manuals and slipcovers are not always guaranteed to be included as these items are donated goods and will show some wear and tear from normal use. Jewel cases will be included but may be damaged and/or cracked. We typically resurface discs that are visibly scratched prior to shipping, but we do not test disc(s). Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Thank you for shopping with Goodwill Colorado! Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Safe and Secure Bubble Mailer! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
Add this copy of Magazines or Novels [Deluxe Edition] to cart. $26.03, new condition, Sold by Entertainment by Post - UK rated 1.0 out of 5 stars, ships from BRISTOL, SOUTH GLOS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2015 by S-Curve.
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