JOSH TAERK – Here’s To Change (2015)
Canadian singer / songwriter JOSH TAERK is presenting his new album “Here’s To Change“, a recording assisted by Rock-‘n’-Roll-Hall-of-Famer John Oates (Hall & Oates) with songs inspired by the ’70s and ’80s classic rock.
I remember Josh’s debut album from two years ago being a nice little record mostly acoustically driven. But “Here’s To Change” is indeed a change in the musical focus, at least in the sonic department as this is a full-band album, richer and fuller into electrics.
Not only John Oates assisted Josh on how to arrange some songs, but also performs backing vocals, and some known – and talented musicians – collaborated such as Nick Van Eede (Cutting Crew) co-writing the melodic, organic title track.
Taerk also has a fan in Bruce Springsteen’s drummer Max Weinberg, who says, “I’ve known, and played with a few singer / songwriters in my time, and I can tell you — Josh Taerk has what it takes.”
Lead song is the excellent “Here’s To Change”, an instant hit on the ears featuring John Oates doing some backing vocals (who also appears on ‘Wise Man’). One of those songs that you want to keep playing over and over.
Taerk’s American influences come out on the rousing ‘The Mirror’, a song made for the big stages. ‘After The Fall’ nicely bridges his debut album’s acoustic sound with a bigger production as the strings come swopping in on the choruses. This song and the title track really show how Josh Taerk is progressing as an artist (and he is only 24!).
Keeping with the slower paced songs (not a ballad) ‘Stay’ features a melancholic melody and lyrics that have universal appeal, based on romance. It’s a very sweet song with a melodic rock heart.
‘Take A Chance With Me’ is another catchy uptempo number with dynamic vocals, a cool chorus a tasty guitar solo and piano.
I really hope “Here’s To Change” breaks Josh Taerk as he has put the hours in touring and certainly put a lot of effort into this album, as everything feels polished, clean, very professional.
They do not make albums like this anymore, remembering a time (Eighties / early Nineties) when singers / songwriters released melodic, organic, wood & flesh & blood crafted albums with a true classic rock sound.
Very Recommended.
01 – Here’s To Change
02 – The Mirror
03 – After The Flood
04 – Wise Man
05 – Take A Chance With Me
06 – Stay
07 – Me, Myself & I
08 – Waiting For The Flood
09 – Tomorrow’s Man
10 – This Life Is Yours
Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar: Josh Taerk
Lead Guitar: Teddy Morgan
Bass Guitar: Park Chisolm
Drums, Percussion: Richard Medek, Max Weinberg
Background Vocals: John Oates
BUY IT !
www.amazon.com/Heres-Change-Josh-Taerk/dp/B00XJEDQ8W/
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