Disco de Jon McLaughlin: “Indiana”

Let's see, I think it's been a couple of weeks now that I've been listening to a song called "Beautiful Disaster". I first heard it when I found a website about the upcoming movie Georgia Rule. I love Jane Fonda and in this film she is complimented by Felicity Huffman and Lindsay Lohan. The film opens in theaters on May 11th, but you won't have to wait that long to find out who sings one of the songs from the movie.

It's Jon McLaughlin. The same Jon McLaughlin who released his debut CD, Indiana, last week. Indiana features "Beautiful Disaster" along with 12 other songs that chronicle Jon's feelings and emotions on a plethora of topics. He has penned lyrics on subjects such as love, girls, faith, family, friends and music.

Before I finished listening to the entire CD, I would have told you that "Beautiful Disaster" was my favorite; now I'm perplexed and can't give you a concrete contestant for the honor of first place. "Industry" is a powerful song that explores the business that Jon has chosen as a career and his hopes and fears on what it might hold.

"Indiana", the album's title track, is special to me because I'm a Midwest girl. I'm a native of Columbus, Ohio - a town with no real discernable geographic attributes - the largest body of water I've seen in Ohio is Lake Erie to the north and the nearest mountain range I've climbed is the one at the putt-putt golf course on the east side of town. Given the assignment, I don't know what kind of song I would write about Ohio. Jon had no such problem when it came to the state of Indiana. He puts the geography of his home state into perspective with these poetic opening lyrics.

I'm glad I've never lived next to the water,

so I could never get used to the beach.

And I'm glad I never grew up on a mountain

to figure out how high the world could reach.

I felt that this piece was an ode, a tribute and a love song.

The third cut on the CD, "Just Give It Time", inspired me. It was one of those moments when you think you've found something that could change your life. Now, come on, you all know that I'm not being over dramatic, we're all looking for a book, a poem, or a song that gives us rhyme and reason - the lyrics in this song did that for me.

Jon McLaughlin is creative. That may sound cliché - so let me explain. Not only does Jon have a crisp melodic sound to his voice, the music and lyrics to the songs were written and composed by him. That's talent - a talent that fascinates and mystifies me. I can play with words, rearrange them on pieces of paper and shuffle them around on computer screens, but with music, it's different. I've always held musical artists in extreme reverence because it's as if they have magical muses that go beyond the meaning of the words and bring to surface the true understanding through sounds arranged in notes and chords. Jon has found that muse.

My hope for Jon McLaughlin is the best of success. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I liked every song on this CD. That doesn't always happen for me and I'm sure it's the same for many of you. This debut is so different. On Indiana, the music and lyrics are like a virtual blog of Jon's life and I felt like I was listening to him sing the words in each entry.

Jon McLaughlin may have spent the majority of his young existence in a small town in Indiana, but with his major label debut, McLaughlin solidifies the fact that he is well on his way to a much bigger and brighter backdrop. With "Indiana," McLaughlin melds together beautiful piano arrangements with silky smooth vocals while embracing both lyrical and melodic strengths at a time in music where songwriting has become far too formulaic. McLaughlin stands at the helm of what could be the future of the singer/songwriter flagship in today's ever changing musical frontier.

Standouts include the radio hit that is sure to get a lot of airplay this summer, "Beautiful Disaster," the beautifully piano driven piece "Industry," the rocking and extremely catchy "For You From Me," the uptempo hook-heavy "Praying to the Wrong God," and the self titled touching ballad "Indiana."

I'll end the review with some amazing lyrics from the song "Indiana"

"The trick of love is to never let it find you,

It's easy to get over missing out.

I know the hows and whens, but now and then,

She's all I think about."

If you're looking for some deep music with strong lyrics and extremely catchy hooks, look no further than Jon McLaughlin.

Jon McLaughlin is beyond talented.

The infusion of the piano into is songs is amazing- Thus if you like piano, I urge you to pick up this album.

His songs are very well written- both lyrically and musically. The songs are absolutely beautiful.

This kid is going to be somewhere big in a short while. Just give his CD a listen- I urge you.

I saw Jon live and I was hooked instantly!!! I have the CD before this and have been waiting patiently for Indiana to be released. He can captivate an audience live or on a CD because his sound is unlike anything I have heard before. He is truly gifted as a pianist, with a powerfully smooth voice to match. I have been telling everyone I know about this guy, you heard it first....he's the real deal! PS play "industry" .LOVE it.

Jon McLaughlin is a refreshing newcomer to the contemporary rock/indie music scene. He may be from Indiana but he is far from a John Melankamp wannabe. Jon's sound is a mix of acoustical, classical and blues. He is someone both young and old can listen to, and find a favorite tune. Beautiful Disaster is wonderful song that speaks deeply of pressures women (young and old) face today. Jon has deep perceptive knack in understanding the pressures faced by young women and seems to be a champion and role model for young men through the song's verse. I have bought multiple CDs and have passed them out to friends and family. People need to support good,clean and innovative musicians like Jon. Good luck Jon as your star rises. Something tells me you will never wander far from your roots.