Album Review: “Bang,” by Rockapella

Album Review: “Bang,” by Rockapella

September 23, 2010, 6:56 pm
Filed under: album review, music, Rockapella | Tags: Album Reviews, Bang, George Baldi III, Jeff Thacher, John K. Brown, Rockapella, Scott Leonard, Stephen Dorian

So, Rockapella has finally released a new album with their new member, Stephen Dorian taking the place of Kevin Wright.  I downloaded the whole thing off iTunes.  I must say, I do love the swanky Maurice Binder style cover.

1. Bang

The title track is a nice fast paced affair.  However, the best ones will come on this album.  In other words, this song is this album’s appetizer.  They do make a funny Shaft reference.  By the way, I recommend seeing this song live, because they have a spy thriller short film playing while they perform.  Recommended.

2.  Hard Time

Not the strongest track in the album.  It’s good, but it does not stand out like the rest.

3.  4u4now4life

How does this song fare up compared to the 1man1mike version.  I think this is the superior version.  It has more punch.  I guess it’s the diverse voices does that.  Plus, George Baldi’s bass voice adds this certain something.  Highly Recommended.

4.  Tell Me What You Want

Another song coming from the 1man1mike album.  Again, I think it’s an improvement over the original.  Like the first song,  I love different voices in the song.  Stephen Dorian comes out very strongly as well.  Recommended.

5.  Nothin’ But

Ooh, that bass voice.  George Baldi III takes over as the main singer.  You believe everything he sings.  John K. Brown kills it too.  His tenor voice comes out smooth.  Makes me think of 70′s r&b.  Recommended.

6.  California Sad Eyed Girl

The last of three songs that came from 1man1mike. Again, superior to the original.  On the other hand, I did not care much for the original, but here?  I love it.  I have written this before, but the different voices help big time.  Also, it does not feel too polished.  Plus Stephen Dorian and John K. Brown harmonizing together?  Wow.  Highly Recommended.

7.  Tonight

They finally put this song on an album.  This blatantly risqué song (“I’m gonna feed that cat” what do you think they’re talking about?).  This song they have used as an opener for their shows.  I prefer the live version because I’m used to it.  Of course, I have to mention George Baldi’s voice in this song, because of the sublime quality.    Recommended.

8.  Shemibos

What an interesting title.  John K. Brown sings this and he kills it.  For those who were ambivalent towards Mr. Brown, listen to this track.  However, who’s the woman moaning in the background?  By the way, George Baldi’s laugh?  Awesome.  Highly Recommended.

9. Malibu Grand-Prix

Ah, a Beach Boys style tune sung by Dorian.  A cute little fast-paced song.  I love the chorus, so pretty.  It also shows that they haven’t lost their sense of humor, what with their voices imitating motors revving in one part of the song.  Recommended.

10.  Too Much

Love this song.  I dare you not to want to get up and dance.  John K. Brown has this husky, fine quality with his voice.  Highly, Highly Recommended.

11.  Babygirl

This is “Hanae” from Scott Leonard’s Tokyo Robots.  You know what?  I do not know which one is better.  I absolutely loved the original, and now with George Baldi III singing the main parts?  I’m conflicted!  They’re evil!  Highly, Highly Recommended.

12.  The Shortest Path

This is album is essentially John K. Brown’s place to shine.  He does so with this uptempo ballad.  Recommended.

13.  No Pressure (Rayne’s Room Mix)

I’m conflicted about this song.  It makes want to dance, and George Baldi’s repeated lines rumbling and harmonies is pure sublime, but why did they autotune Scott Leonard’s voice?  Oh well, I can live with it. ETA: I am listening to this album again, and I think they manipulated Scott’s voice with autotune, but I missed it.  On the other hand, I don’t know why I’m making such a big deal out of it.  They do other forms of studio manipulation on their voices, and they are still wonderful live.  Highly, highly recommended.

14.  A-Punk

A final bonus track.  This song originally came from the band Vampire Weekend.  However, it feels like an informal song.  It’s cute.  Recommended.

ETA:  All in all, I enjoyed this album.  For me, Rockapella’s music represents a type of aural comfort food.  They reassure me with their quirky, polished style.

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