MUSIC REVIEW: BLEU - 'FOUR'
File Under ‘Story-teller’ & Play When You Need Something Friendly...
(The Major Label) Bleu appears to be living a charmed life right now. His latest album, Four, is released on his own label--a label funded by fans through www.kickstarter.com--a forum that invites independent sponsors for artistic endeavors in all mediums. Not only did fans fund the recording process, they did so with a generosity of spirit that would make many artists blush. It seems those familiar with Bleu’s stunning debut, Redhead, were keen to hear more. It seems that those unfamiliar with the 2003 album, and his songwriting duties with the Jonas Brothers and Selena Gomez, succumbed to the man’s natural charm and obvious artistic flare. Four is set to be an album of note, for many reasons.
Music snobs and genre prefects may wish to retain self-conscious obscurity or distance from a man who has worked alongside Disney artists. Music fans, of which Bleu is one, will simply revel in some great Indie-Pop without worrying over ‘credible edge’ or perceived commercialism. The eleven songs in this collection stand far from anything that may be expected from a man who has served ‘The Magic Kingdom.’ Bleu himself has stated that he genuinely sees no distinction between Arcade Fire and Britney Spears, and would be honored to write for either. It’s an opinion that, on one level, may appear blinkered, but on another is a humble reflection of a humble artist who out and out loves music in all forms. In the mature offering of Four, it seems that song content dictates song form. Levels of aggression, humor, dark, and light are mixed to produce a well-considered assertion of talent.
Writing for himself, not the vocal talents of others, Bleu explores more personal subject matter and uses levels of irony that can only come from sincere affection. “B.O.S.T.O.N.” comes over as a slightly tongue-in-cheek definition of times and places that once meant something or continue to hold relevance to the development of the artist. When fun is poked, it’s poked with well-intended affection. “Singin’ In Tongues” fits with the tradition of songwriters enjoying a character list of personnel within their autobiography. Horns, xylophones, pulsing electric guitars strum up a euphoric introduction to proceedings. The contagious vocal chorus feels like a very friendly demand that we all should sing along.
There’s not one instrumental approach that Bleu won’t employ, from stabbing brass to smooth, heart-wrenching strings. There is something retro about Bleu’s arrangements and songwriting approach. Retro, here, in a good old-fashioned appreciation of the craft. Chorus follows verse, a bridge escalates and spans, everything is delivered safely; nothing too shocking, even in the surprises. During the occasionally morbid moments, “Dead in the Mornin’”--an upbeat musical approach--offers comfort to some pretty bleak concepts--only bleak if you’ve never considered or come to terms with your own mortality. Death, according to Bleu, will relieve him of personal artifacts and the monotonous obligations and demands of life. “My Piano can go to the corner-bar, I won’t have to pay my credit card...”
Just as Ryan Adams revisited traditional pop-rock sensibilities with Gold, so Bleu returns us to bare-knuckle essentials of songs. If there’s any electronic interference, it’s not obvious; if there’s any over-smart noodling, it’s low in the mix. Music leans on lyrics, and lyrics tell stories. This is an album of thick narrative, careful imagery, and smart observation. Emotional vulnerability is also evident, with tracks like “I’m in Love with my Lover.” Like a good old fashioned album, we’re afforded moments to laugh, moments to cry.
Four may not be the most challenging album. It’s not a threat to state of mind or established creative concepts--it’s more of a grown-up celebration of those things. It’s both great irony and testimony to Bleu’s artistic abilities, that an artist who has made a good living writing for teen stars has produced one of the most mature albums of the year. File under ‘Story-teller’ and play when you need something friendly in quality.
For Fans Of: Ryan Adams, Harry Nilson, Patrick Wolf, Rufus Wainwright
Standout Tracks: How Blue, In Love With My Lover
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