Sticky Sweet

Babyfaced singer-songwriter Brett Dennen has returned with his latest release Loverboy, a 56 minute sugar rush of effervescent rhythms, buoyant acoustics and an eternal sense of lyrical optimism that would change the heart of the most brazen pessimist. With a devoted following, most probably in part due to Dennen’s vast catalogue featured on hit-television shows or maybe his comprehensive experience touring with such headliners as Dave Matthews Band or Jack Johnson, this Rolling Stone “Artist to Watch,” is exactly that.

Starting off the album is “Surprise, Surprise,” pulling you directly into the saccharine induced 13 tracks with a fun and funky beat that will uplift any bad mood. “Froze in Slow Motion” slows the album down with a ballad that’s filled with lazily beautiful vibes and buttery chourses which lives up to it’s song title. Dennen’s gift is taking unlikely, dark situations and finding the beauty within life’s tradegies. “Dancing At a Funeral” does just that, with it’s upbeat rhythms and chipper acoustics turning a rather aphotic situation into an irresistibly catchy sing-a-long.

Without question Dennen’s talent, while slightly rooted in pop, transcends the honeyed musical genre into something he owns with this album. Love it or hate it, the kids got talent and Loverboy will stick to your shoe like the sugary sweet bubble gum that it is.