One of my favorite, and nicest, artists of the year has released a project that is fun, but carries strong meaning from beginning to end. SIRPAUL, the most independent artist you will ever know, has been crafting music for over twelve years, but it was his 2012 album, The Horse, that finally caught my attention. One of the greatest aspects of the project lies in the songwriting. SIRPAUL has an act for saying just how he feels. Preceded by lead single, “Body Connection”, the 15-track album features a carefree attitude, impressive production and a few guilty pleasures as well. Expect the album and a few tracks on my “Favorites of 2012” list.
After a short intro called “Ride”, the album officially kicks off with “Human Machine”. SIRPAUL wastes no time unleashing a heavy, up-tempo, dance track influenced by one’s inhibitions. To be honest, as the first full track I heard from the artist, I thought I would quickly write him off. The song is okay, not going to call it terrible, but it seems like the ordinary, underground pop track.
Lead single, “Body Connection”, comes off as a dirty, gritty, pop experience that will leave listeners begging for more. The thumping, electronic beat turns into full on sexual commands and innuendos that should please men and women alike. The album is a new sound for the artist, but the lead single seems to be a bridge between the old and new. A perfect connection.
The greatness begins with “King of the World”, the best moment on the album. My cry for an anthem of courage and empowerment was answered. SIRPAUL strives to be the first king of the world as he claims, “no one made me a knight, I crowned myself”, on the song of independence and strength. The song has been on repeat all year thanks to clever lyrics and an addictive beat.
Written for his sister, “Lay It On Me” sounds as if it was ripped straight from an 80s film soundtrack. Nothing wrong with that though. SIRPAUL assures that no one is in control of their life 24 hours a day. Just remember there is always someone to lean on. The artist’s vocals are soothing and comforting on this track which will surely help you find an optimistic view.
“Glow” takes things down a notch for a minute. The artist is expressing his utmost love for the one who has his heart, maybe his partner of five years. Hearing lyrics such as “If this is my last breathe, I wanna take it with you”, caused a few tears as a personal account of a relationship is told. As a gay artist, it is refreshing to hear a serious piece of pop gold from SIRPAUL.
Right after the mushy, love confessions, the vibe of the album changes once again on “Like a Horse”. The track carries a 90s alternative rock vibe which was the biggest surprise on the effort. Call me crazy, but every time I hear the song I remember the moody singers of the time such as Alanis and The Verve. It is nothing great, subpar compared to its predecessors, but it will do.
Teased before the album’s official release, “The Beat Of My Heart” will also take the listener back a couple of decades. Influenced by the 90s era and disco, if that could even be possible, the synth-pop feel is a nice mix as well, but as with the previous track, the song does not do much except trend along the “average” line. A good song that keeps the album moving.
Until “In Your Eyes” makes its way through the speakers, the album really has not had the slow, ballad moment yet. This track changes that as SIRPAUL’s vocals are accompanied only by a simple, Sugar Ray-sounding beat. The track is cute and pretty damn good as the artist expresses he has found everything he wants in a companion. Sweet, heartfelt and a smart inclusion.
When I mentioned guilty pleasures, “5th Pocket” was the song I had in mind. The track starts as if it is going to be a straight up, dark, sexual exploration and even though sex is still on the artist’s mind, it is done with more of a campy vibe. “Bet you’ll find something inside,” SIRPAUL claims on this naughty but tame track. I love when a male pop artist is not afraid to be themselves.
On “Strict”, SIRPAUL gives off that overly sexual, animalistic, controlling energy I had been waiting for. The track is naughty, dark and lyrically similar to Rihanna’s hit “S&M”. “You’ve been so bad I give you a smack, but you wouldn’t complain”, the artist sings as any listener is bound to already be hot and bothered. Who says girls should be the only ones allowed to have fun?
The slowest track on the album, “Nude”, is probably the hardest one to swallow. I’m all for heartfelt ballad, but the song contains a mellow, relaxed tone that I am not too fond of. The message is a beautiful one though. Believing that it is destiny to meet the one you are meant to always be with is something we should all dream of. Not one of my favorites, but good effort.
Another great moment comes in the form of “Dark Beat”, an up-tempo track dealing with the desire for change, of dancing your life away. With the inclusion of one of my favorite lines ever: “It’s not like my life is over, but I feel like life f***ed me over”, how could you not enjoy this carefree, sing-along creation. Put your headphones in, forget your worries and get lost in the music.
“Hardcore Crazy” is a heavily disco-influenced track that soon turns into another synth-pop creation. Lyrically, the song deals with your typical heartbreaker, a diss to the one that has done you wrong in life. SIRPAUL goes through the track with a one note performance, never really showing that his voice has a range. Good song, but it could have been better.
The album closes out with “Universal Love”, a five minute track about spreading love. Right out the gate, the song feels like one I would hear in any gay club, just done ten times better. Within lyrics of black light shows, beach bodies and New York City boys, I feel the song is a fun anthem of equality. The desire to spread love to all, being loud and proud, is something I’ll sing all day.
The Horse is a unique effort by a man who has been on the scene long enough to know what works and what does not. SIRPAUL reinvents his persona and sound once again with the release and it has to be his best work to date. While some tracks do carry a campy, fun tone, others get right done to business and dive into issues of love, empowerment, independence and equality. To me, the highlight is the songwriting. The artist knows how to craft a catchy, relevant song. At fifteen tracks, stumbling only once or twice, the album is a great listen. Glad I came across it. The album receives an 84%.
Tracks to Hear: “King of the World”, “Lay It On Me”, “Glow”, and “Dark Beat”
P.S. I cannot stop staring at these pictures! Gorgeous!
P.S. I cannot stop staring at these pictures! Gorgeous!
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