By Tammy Reese

Nick Africano’s first solo album, “I’ve Ever Desired” reminds me of early 90s pop before boy bands were plastered on obsessed teens’ television screens and in the midst of angry pop princesses like Alanis Morisette and my favorite Avril Lavigne, who had something to say. A refreshing drop in the bottomless bucket filled with those desiring to make it big in the music business, Africano’s sound is distinct with hints of old-world charm like in the song “I’ve ever desired,” where the woodwind and acoustic background compliment his Johnny Cash-esque talking the song style.  If it worked for the “man in black” it can work for Africano and that unique style lends something to his bluesy-pop, rat-pack era sound mixed with modern flair.

Despite Africano’s creativity and ability to create an album worth listening to it seems a  tad like the oodles of once popular music gently blaring from speakers at your local supermarket, provoking shoppers to sing along or even dance. Which isn’t always a bad thing. “Call me a fool” is a great song reminiscent of Elvis,  telling of a man who is crazy in love, “Hurt me if you want to, love me if you will, what would you say if I loved you still, would you call me a fool?” Africano certainly isn’t a fool, his bluesy backgrounds blend well with his vocals to create something special. “I’ve Ever Desired” is an album full of songs worthy of hearing, “what tomorrow is like to today” is an inspiringly sad song and the vocals are a smidge too nasal but improve considerably as the song progresses.  It is also filled with fabulous irony such as when Africano sings, “happy hypocrite singing from the bottom of his empty soul.”

“Ha!Ha!Ha!” is an interestingly titled song that feels unfinished and needless to say jagged around the edges. It is slow and the background is much more interesting than the lyrics and vocals.  However this song is thought provoking and nicely preformed, so perhaps he has the last laugh. Africano is certainly on the verge of something great as this album is very well put together and pours out a musical feast to fans, inspiring them to really hear what this young man had to say.  His soulful outpouring is magnificent and relevant in today’s music scene paving a smooth road to bigger things.

You might like:
Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Chris Isaac, Alanis Morisette, Jason Mraz, Jewel and Michael Buble, Feist, Sara Bareilles, John Mayer and Colbie Caillat

www.myspace.com/nickafricano

Filed under: Music Reviews