Musical Time Machine
Ripe 4 Luv ready for the picking to take you on a trip into late 80s lane and 90s angst .
Ripe 4 Luv consists of eight songs: “Crushing Sensation”, “Ripe for Love”, “Crawling Back to You”, “Aquarian”, “Kelly I’m Not A Creep”, “Dear Drew”, “Living the Dream” and “Wrong Crowd”.
This is Young Guv’s (whose real name is Ben Cook) debut album. According to his official Instagram page, before Ripe 4 Luv, Young Guv was a guitarist to the band Fucked Up and the vocalist of No Warning.
He brings listeners into his first track “Crushing Sensation” with his wispy voice and smooth guitar. Much like it sounds, the song talks about how in some instances dreaming big and trying to following them ends badly for the dreamer. Much like unrequited love, the dreamer could have the best intentions with their dreams but life does not grant them.
Like most of the songs, “Ripe for Love” and “Crawling Back to You” appeal to the lovers. “Ripe for Love” pulls from those moments in life when you feel ready to welcome a new love interest or a change of scene. “Crawling Back to You” sparks memories of “Roam” by the B-52’s. Both are upbeat and spunky very reminiscent of old school music.
The intro to “Dear Drew” is a fast paced combination of drums that then usher in the guitar and Young Guv. Much like “Crushing Sensation” this track makes reference to dreaming and the failure that can be tied with them not coming true. It is almost an extension of “Crushing Sensation”. It is about staying optimistic even though things could be looking bleak.
The hidden gem of Ripe 4 Luv is “Wrong Crowd”. It has a soft sultry beat that is matched by Young Guv’s voice. “I’ve been hanging with the wrong crowd” are the main lyrics you hear throughout. The novelty of this track lies in the keyboard and drum solo and the fact that the song itself is not crowded with too many words. “Wrong Crowd” establishes a perfect ratio of beats to voice. And not to forget when he starts speaking French halfway through the song, which is almost like a seductive act to get you to keep listening.
Ripe 4 Luv is a great composition of songs that all work together harmoniously. The beats, instruments, and vocals used to create the songs that make up the album are all integral. Young Guv has the voice, but lyrics are hard to decipher in some of the songs. With this album, you have to sit down and listen to it at least three times – not necessarily because you like it, but to discern the words to your favorite song. It is worth the sit down.
Leave a Comment