The good times are rolling for Michael Behm four months after releasing “Saving America,” The third single off his forthcoming album “If I could Learn To Fly” is enjoying top chart positions in Canada, Australia and finding solid ground in the US. “Saving America” is a big pop album full of accessible optimism and cheer, that could even turn your average American Idol fan into a power pop fan. The production work and mixing assisted by Pat Steward (The New Odds, Bryan Adams) and Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Elvis Costello, Metallica) give the album a crisp full sound. “If I Could Learn To Fly” is a huge highlight, with ELO-like echo effects and smart time signature changes. Next is the hook-laden “The Art of Letting Go” which has a great leading bass line and Michael’s winning vocals. Other highlights include “Ticket to Heaven” and the danceable “Honesty” resemble a Jellyfish single with a high falsetto driving the chorus. Even the ballads are done right with “Lincoln” pulls all the right heartstrings. Also of note “Underground Epic” features some amazing guitar work in the intro similar to Sloan or Cheap Trick. Behm has an extensive back catalog, and I look forward to exploring it now. This is an excellent example of modern power pop that shouldn’t be missed.
I probably would have given it an “8.5” if I didn’t use whole numbers in my rating system.
Nice review – this is my top album of the year so far; actually kinda surprised you didn’t rate it higher.