Fooling April is a band on the cusp of stardom. They’ve performed with top talent, like John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, Dido, The Strokes, Nellie McKay, Hoobastank, Pat McGee Band, Fastball, Franz Ferdinand, Fountains of Wayne, The Flaming Lips, and more. After hearing their first album “Every Good Boy Does Fine” I can see why. Songs had that Steely Dan meets John Mayer sophisticated pop rock style (“C-4”) and the Ben Folds influenced piano pop as well (“Chuckie & The Bone”). Unfortunately, I am seeing an “adult pop” aspect of Fooling April on “In the Now”. The production of this new album is clean and sophisticated. “Ordinary” has a sterile hip soul beat with guitar and lead singer Brian Kenneth does a admirable job, but it falls flat for me. “The Way Back Down” is an excellent ballad that is inspiring and the best track on the album here and Brian’s singing dominates the album. Like Don Henley or Dave Matthews, he effortlessly tells a song’s story with world weary soulful weight. Most of the tunes are delivered in a gospel-style like “In the Now”. What is missing here is any sense of fun. It almost sounds like generic contemporary Christian Pop on “The Answer.” The album does however avoid overwrought Michael Bolton or American Idol comparisons – but subtle it isn’t. While competent and relaxing, it lacks the hooks that would make it essential listening. Only the track “2nd Chair” seems to have the combination of pop and fun that fans of the first album would expect. Not essential, but if you’re a fan get it. Others should start with the excellent “Every Good Boy Does Fine.”
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