Search - Coles Whalen :: EP

5 Stars - Original lyrics, melodies with tempo changes you w

S. Peterkin | Lilburn, GA USA | 09/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The album of just six songs exposes a talent for sophisticated lyrics and melody containing frequent changes in tempo and unexpected melodic transitions. The song, "Hollow Railroad", contains raw emotions common to the best modern singer/songwriters. The melody begins with a slow shuffle to the words:



"Leaving right on time

My life is at the station the mason is calling me to board

Standing on the platform

You say have a safe trip as I slip through the closing doors"



Then the narrative picks up speed turning quickly into an unforgettable foot-stompin' chorus:



"Close your eyes feel the wind from the cars rushing by

Hollow railroad speed me away

Forward motion it soothes me

Railroad go where you may anyway

As long as I'm moving"



The edge that makes this such a good song is echoed in the words:



"Close your eyes hope that nobody sees you when you cry"



That emotion is a skill people expect of the best singer/songwriters. The most critical listeners ask performers to give themselves to the song they sing and applaud loudest for voices more easily differentiated in the cacophony of today's radio airplay.



Coles describes the song, "Why I Cry", as the ultimate breakup song. This song throws daggers that it's subject should be far from proud for motivating:



"So tell me is it better there with the bigger smile and the blonder hair

Does she give you a thrill

Tell me when the highlights fade and all the makeup wash away

Will you be happy still

While I lie awake

'Cause I can't help but wonder"



This straight-to-the-point songwriting is emotion that listeners can identify with and make them wonder if the song's target felt its bite. One can only hope "that person" once asked Coles to write a song and will forever regret the request.



Sevens is another outstanding composition which I will leave to the next reviewer to cover. I have already purchased several of these albums for gifts. Highest marks!!!

"