Disco de Jon McLaughlin: “OK Now”

I can't remember the last time I was so excited about a secular artist releasing a new CD. I must say after listening to Jon McLaughlin's lastest effort, I am not disappointed. It is somewhat different sounding from his last CD, Indiana, so it is hard for me to pick a favorite between the two. It is a hard choice, but my favorite track is the final one on the CD. The song about dancing is really the only one I'm not particularly fond of. I look forward to what Jon does musically in the future. I just hope he keeps on his current track and keeps it rated G!

I will buy this based on "Beating My Heart". I have been hearing the song being used on ABC's promo for the new season of its TV shows and had been trying to discover who sang it, with no luck, until this afternoon. My wife was watching the Bonnie Hunt show and I heard him sing it as a musical guest on the show. Listened to the samples on amazon and now I'm hooked. Great music, considering I usually am not impressed by anything released after 1970.

Ultra-cute Jon McLaughlin's second CD 'OK Now' traverses the common genre of uplifting pop. His vocals range from strong tenor to intimate whispers and hearty blasts of pop passion, with occasional blues and rock twists. There aren't many compositional innovations here, but each song maintains its integrity. "You Can Never Go Back" recalls early Electric Light Orchestra. Other tracks are more "studio-slick" than his first CD, which focused more on his vocals and piano-playing. Similarly, his previous rough-edge look has become more 'L'Uomo Vogue.' The catchy hooks, particularly in "Always on my Mind," are so polished you'll think you've heard the songs before, and you probably have, as a background tune on 'Grey's Anatomy.'

I'm very happy with this album. I was a little scared to venture into this sophomore project by Mr. McLaughlin as I knew the sound was a little different than his first album. It is different but still very likable and enjoyable. I enjoy most of the tracks on this album. My favorite songs are Dance Your Life Away, Beating My Heart, You Can Never Go Back and Why I'm Talking to You. It's an album you'll want to listen through more than once.

If you loved John's first release album, there's a good chance to fall in love all over again with his sophomore release! John is such a great storyteller and really locks in his audience with a combination of melodic tracks and reflective songwriting. It's pop-infused piano rock and it ROCKS! For those that like his older stuff, you'll resonate with:

- "Throw My Love Around"

- "You Are the One I Love"

- "The Middle"

- "Four Years"

He also takes risks on this album. Most notably these 3:

- "You Can Never Go Back"

- "Dance Your Life Away"

- "Why I'm Talking to You"

And my personal faves, which are edgy yet true to his style:

- "Things That You Say"

- "Beating My Heart"

- "Always On My Mind"

And don't discount the power behind "We All Need Saving". It's an acapella rich tune that captures the soul of John's music.