Unless you pay attention to songwriting credits, the name Brian White probably means nothing to you. If you have listened to artists like Michael English, 4HIM, Al Denson, and East to West, however, you have heard his work.
White has penned a number of hits for other artists, and now has taken to recording himself. Armed with some solid songs and gathering some talented musicians, White's debut release on Broken Records, Livin' In The Sight of Water, is a strong record.
The album kicks off with an acoustic intro to the title cut, that is reminiscent of the beginning of Bon Jovi's "Wanted, Dead or Alive." In fact, there are several musical similarities to Bon Jovi throughout the album, but without the overblown attitude that the popular mainstream band has been known to show. White and company cross back and forth over the line between the heartland rock of artists like John Mellencamp and Geoff Moore and the Distance and the arena rock of the aforementioned Bon Jovi. But they manage to do it without sounding too derivative, maintaining a sense of originality.
Some of the best cuts, besides the title one, include "Radical Love," "Tonight," and "Long Lost Friend." White possesses a strong voice, with just enough of a raspy edge to make it interesting, backed by a tight and clean sound.
Solid songs, solid musicians-a solid release.
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