John Brodeur captured my ear with his album “Tiger Pop” in 2001. It was an impressive debut, and now the re-issue project is in progress. Well almost a decade later the sophomore album is here. The process turned into a journey for Brodeur who has been kicking this album around since 2004 with help from many musicians, Pete Donnelly (The Figgs, Candy Butchers) and Ryan Barnum (Strange Faces) among them. Opening with the uplifting “Making A Change” it is an excellent motivational song, lead by melody and solid guitar chords. The guitar crunch is turned up a notch for the driving “I’m Bad” where John reflects on life’s horrible choices, it’s a loud Superdrag styled melodic feast. “Security” is another fast paced gem that demands repeat plays, but the theme doesn’t change even though the styles do. The piano ballad “Silence, Please” about the bad experiences on the road, slowly builds to epic proportions like a Ben Folds song. “Fight” has a Nirvana-like structure, and a wicked guitar solo in the break that propels the chorus along. “Let’s Pretend” has a Magical Mystery Tour styled percussive composition, done slightly off kilter that tells you the lyric “Let’s Pretend We Are Happy” is a vow of disillusionment. This feeling continues with “Meltdown” and culminates with another stunner. “Get Through” is a delicately crafted wake up call, that life is worth living and “If it’s all that you can do, just get through.” This is a brilliant album that has finally gotten through to music fans last year. Don’t overlook it now that it’s here.
Awesome album from a great songwriter.