Brett Dennen - So Much More (Album)
» Brett Dennen announces Australian tour dates - July 24, 2008
Brett Dennen is a child of the 70’s- both literally and metaphorically. Whilst he was a latecomer - 1979 to be precise- to the decade, its music positively courses through the veins of his second CD. On So Much More, Dennen captures the laid back folk sensibilities of legends like James Taylor and John Denver and combines it with modern influences like John Mayer and Dave Matthews.
Unfortunately, whilst his efforts are interesting, Dennen often seems to capture some of the worst aspects of both generations. While his voice is remarkably earnest, what he’s saying feels steeped in equal parts naivety and self righteousness. The first two tracks (Ain’t No Reason and There is so Much More) are as catchy as they are laden with sanctimonious rambling. For every good line in a song- such as the allusively melancholic opening to There is so Much More (When I heard the news/ my heart fell on the floor/I was right there on a plane/ on my way to Baltimore)there are just as many that feel forced and lacking nuance.
Ultimately it feels like his lyrics lack a playfulness- the ultimate sin when his music is so laid back. To use Jackson Browne as an example- he may have the melancholy of These Days, but he lacks the lightheartedness of My Stunning Mystery Companion.
Musically, the album falls into between the laidback finger picking of James Taylorand the Jazz progressions of Room for Squares-era John Mayer. The latter’s influence is also obvious in Dennan’s lyrics- which is ultimately one of the main reasons that So Much More doesn’t live up to what it could be. Mayer is one of Pop music’s most outstanding songwriters (although to be fair, Dennen doesn’t have to live with writing Your Body is a Wonderland- which coincidentally, isn’t that bad of a song) and Dennen seems to stumble as often as he succeeds.
What Mayer could say with a line, it takes Dennen a whole verse to accomplish- perhaps explaining many of the songs are so long. See I Asked When- a well thought out and worthy concept- but hardly worth six dedicating six minutes to. It almost as if Dennen himself doesn’t realize that he’s often a evocative lyricist- and thus works against his pop sensibilities by making songs drawn out.
Dennan is also an accomplished guitarist. James Taylor aficionados will notice that So Much More has its Sweet Baby James moments, and meanwhile Darlin’ Do Not Fear features a fiercely jaunty acoustic riff that is one of the albums highlights. On every other track he demonstrates nothing other than complete control of the instrument- if anything he doesn’t give himself enough of a chance to shine. The ten tracks feel a little samey- even an appearance by the legendary Keb’ Mo can’t break the monotony.
It’s also worth mentioning the often hilarious bonus videos featured on the CD (especially the backstage appearance of Dennan’s creepy cohort) - which suggest he may have a career in stand up if this whole music thing fails.
