2013 Grammy Nominations:
- Best New Artist
- Best Country Solo Performance, "Wanted"
- Best Country Album
All right, let's get this out of the way: Hunter Hayes is absolutely adorable. And aside from the fact he was born in the 90's, he's 21 so I can feel completely comfortable saying that.
Hunter came on to the scene with his lovely sweet song "Wanted," and I haven't heard much else since. But he's a sweet southern boy from Louisiana, and we'll see what else he has to offer.
"Storm Warning" kicks things off. You know, that would be so much more fitting if the title of the album was like, "Tornado" or something. Regardless, his sweet, far-too-Rascal-Flatts-like voice is very nice. The song's about twitting he had warning about the girl that walked in and rocked his world more than expected. It's sort of a compliment in a way. He's just too dog-on cute to take it any other way. | |
| Ah, and the first breakout single: "Wanted." So sweet, so very sweet… how any girl in the world is not melting to a puddle throughout this one is beyond me. Dog on he looks young, but he makes you feel like a lady for sure. Obviously, it's a love song, and one that hits directly to the heart. It's just the right kind of fast/slow mix to sing along to and dance in someone's arms at the same time. |
Ooh, you gonna throw a little rock in there Hunter? "Love Makes Me" starts with one of those great rebel yells that amps a song up. Now, lyrically, it's fairly innocent, but this is good ol' country music here people. We can only push things so far out in the open. I like the concept - all the insanity love makes you do. Boys are more liable to loose their minds in this awesome way while a girl stands by and giggles. Dear god I need a boyfriend.
"Faith to Fall Back On" is sheer proof this boy's from the bible belt. I love the rhythms in this, and actually the lyrics aren't overwhelmingly a call back to the church. It's just a generally good concept, in the feel of "Stand" or other inspirational songs you just need to hear once in a while. The kind of song that makes you let go just a little like you should.
Ah, right, there was another single other than "Wanted." "Somebody's Heartbreak" was this other adorable little number that hit the airwaves and stole us away. Nice line: "one minute with you is better than two without." He wants his shot even if it's going to end badly. Just one break, come on. Oh well, okay Hunter, if you insist. ;) | |
Oh man, is this the sad part of the album? "Cry With You" has that old school Keith Urban sound where you could listen with a broken heart or when you were preparing to break someone's heart. Though, here he's pledging devotion in any time she needs it. Basically, a call out of empathy, unendingly. Basically, more proof of the sweetest guy ever.
"Everybody's Got Somebody But Me" is so dang cute. I'm talking from the lyrics to the melody to the backing music and rhythms. Everything about this one screams adorable. It's supposed to be a little sad, as he's just annoyed with seeing love everywhere he looks (heh, I gotcha there babe), but you can't help but just bop along to this one as it goes! Even down to the singing of "You-oou-ouu" - come on!
Now we slow it down a bit and give this song, "What You Gonna Do," a little more serious of a tone. Reasonable question being asked - after all he's done for her, what's she going to do once he's not around anymore? There's some real hurt in this one, and some really good lines used throughout, some of which I really wish I had thought of a few years back. Something hits really perfectly on this one.
Rock back on it for "More Than I Should." Hah, the payback song after the breakup. He gave her everything, she broke his heart. Funny how his titles work right on into the song itself, where Blake Shelton's always seem to be a little different than what you expect. The guitar's great in this - close your eyes and imagine him getting his little dance on on that stage. Adorable, right? Great breakup song for sure, with a lot of fun to be had while singing. Dang, where's this music when you really need it?
Sweet slow final song time. "All You Ever" finishes things out with a more solemn tone, but it's still about a relationship. We're 11 for 12 in that department. But he's young and probably mostly un-lived in this world. Traveling for tours will change that up a bit. In a turn-around from the last one, this time it's him who didn't do enough for her, and now he's realizing it and basically kicking himself through song. It's a slightly sadder ending to the album than we probably really wanted, but the mood is final and I guess that makes it work.
Added to My Playlist:
- "Wanted"
- "Love Makes Me"
- "Faith to Fall Back On"
- "Somebody's Heartbreak"
- "What You Gonna Do"
- "More Than I Should"
Aww, a sweet new Country face. Can't go wrong with a cute Southern boy singing to your heart. I look forward to seeing him mature musically as the years go on, but this was a nice little start to get him on to the scene.