I’m Wonderstruck by Ben Howard

I haven’t written about this subject before and I find this a little odd because it’s such a part of whom I am. I love music. I find it a means of inspiration. It makes me more creative; it says what I can’t say; it makes me feel things; it makes me braver.

I often seek out new artist. Sometimes I’ll buy their albums and enjoy listening to them, but there’s always this rare chance, and when it happens, it feels magical. It’s like when you meet someone new and the chemistry is just there and you can really feel it brewing. Over time, when you’re with them, it feels warmer, safe, you’re light-headed, you’re wonderstruck. This is how I feel when listening to Ben Howard’s music.

A couple weeks ago, I was scanning through Perez Hilton’s blog and came across a post that made me curious. Perez wrote: “Ben Howard Covers Call Me Maybe!” This is one of my favorite summer pop-songs, hence my piqued interest. I had no idea whom this Ben Howard character was, but proceeded to click the title anyway. Needless to say, I fell in love. Any artist who can take a poppy tune like Call Me Maybe and turn it into that is darn talented.

Before we go any further, please click the link below and give Howard’s cover a listen—it’s worth it, I promise!

Ben Howard Covers Call Me Maybe!

Following three repeats, I visited Howard’s website and myspace page. I learned that he’s a young British chap whom dropped his first album in September of last year. I sampled said album – titled Every Kingdom – and 30 minutes later I hit purchase.

Here’s what I like about his album. The instrumentals are fantastic. They’re so playful and the way the rhythms meld with the lyrics/vocals is so creative. I have this vision of Howard, just like a kid, living completely in his head, thinking things up, and instead of building or coloring his ideas out in a traditional sense, he makes music. Sounds pretty good, right?

There’s definitely a folk influence in regards to timbre, but there’s also pop and alternative roots. I like the lyrics. They’re more poetic versus narrative and make you think.

Here are the tracks I’m really into:

• Old Pine
• The Wolves
• Everything
• Only Love
• The Fear
• Keep Your Head Up
• Black Flies
• Gracious
• Promise

Well… that’s every song on Howard’s album minus one. Hopefully this gives you even more reason to go check him out.

 

 

 

 

 

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