I don't know how old this guy is, but his musical maturity is no-doubt far beyond his years. Drake's music sounds a whole lot like the band, Jellyfish from the 90s...although a bit poppier. Great music, good singing....good lyrics...good stuff.
Don't mistake this for another album mindlessly churned out by a Disney/Nickelodeon star. Though Drake does have a show on Nick, that's the only similarity. He's a talented songwriter, singer and musician and it shows on this album. The songs have an upbeat, distinctly 60's feel to them. A very impressive album for this young star.
Drake Bell is back with the follow-up to last year's mostly darker and serious themed album "Telegraph" with the more upbeat and lively
"It's Only Time" (Universal Motown).
The album proves a couple of points. It is all about quality not quantity, so don't let the about thirty five minute run time sway you from buying a real class album. This is not an ego-driven overblown
self-important opus.
This album also harkens back to the optimistic days of early Beatlemania with twinges other of 'days gone by goodness' for you to enjoy. When music was meant to make you happy and make you forget your problems.
Bell is a vintage soul, and like I said in my review of "Telegraph", who appreciates the music stylings that have come before him. People who are prone to categorize him in the standard
teen idol mold are doing a disservice.
Maybe that unfair "teen idol" label that is stuck on Bell,
will be gone by the time he releases his third album.
One of the many great things about "It's Only Time" is the positive message contained within. After a month since the release
it's still just as fresh as ever.
It is very disappointing that there are few people in this world that cannot accept encouraging messages in their music and criticize Bell for daring to create a joyful album.
Bell survived a near-fatal car accident last year and he wants to share his affirmative message with the world. As Bell sings in
"Makes Me Happy", "save the rainy days for another time."
Which is a wonderful musical statement to make in this sometimes
self-indulgent world.
Bell should not be classified as a celebrity, but rather a serious musician who has something valid to say.
Stand-out tracks include, "Up Periscope", "Fool the World" (where Backhouse Mike gets to shine in the spotlight alongside Bell), and the four song suite inspired by the second side of The Beatles "Abbey Road".
The tracks seamlessly blend into one another and mention each other throughout. It is ushered in by "Fallen For You" (with its solid references to Buddy Holly, Bettie Page, and Marilyn Monroe)
"Rusted Silhouette" (the best part of the four), "Break Me Down" (any person under twenty-five who can reference 78" records let alone 45's should give people an indication of Bell's passion for true music), and the delightful throwback to the
Depression Era the declaration of "End It Good" with vocalist
Claudia Vossanine.
The limited edition version of "It's Only Time" also comes with a DVD.
Filmed by Nickelodeon Drake performs the theme song of "Drake & Josh", "Found a Way", and gives the viewer a guitar lesson on how to play it. There are outtakes from a photo shoot, an acoustic version of "Somehow" from the "Telegraph" album, and the video from the first single, "I Know".
After one listen you will think more of Drake Bell then just the teen star of "Drake & Josh".
This album is written in parts by Bell, Backhouse Mike,
and C.J. Abraham.
I give it five stars.
Just received this CD and I have to say it is the only one that I listen to over and over. It has such a great mix of sounds, and it isn't like every other song you hear nowadays, and Drake Bell can sing! There are too many artists out there that can't sing. Drake can do it all, he is very talented! I highly recommend this CD for both young and old!
Our family just purchased this CD/DVD yesterday and I've listened to it all the way through about 5 times! I love it more and more each time. The kids are at school and my husband and I are listening to it right now. We own the Telegraph CD and we have really enjoyed that CD as well. It's Only Time shows how Drake's musical talent is really developing at a great pace! This CD is fantastic! Naturally, as fans of Drake and Josh, my kids also enjoy Drake's music. We've even seen him perform live. Anyway, they started their morning by singing and dancing in the kitchen to Drake's new songs! My 9-yr-old asked if she can share the CD with her class next week for "Music Monday". Of course, I said, "Sure!"
