Skypark has one of those unique sounds, a mixture of funk, blues, modern rock, and some rootsy rock-n-roll. If you can imagine a funked-up Pearl Jam with some bluesy vocals, you're on the right path. But Am I Pretty? has an edge to it, both musically and lyrically. The second song, "Emily's Love Song," is the story of a girl who is constantly changing boyfriends and shows the results of such promiscuity. The title track, "Am I Pretty?," deals with physical beauty and insecurity, and could well be the theme for anorexics everywhere. The seventh song, "My Mirror," starts off with a slow Pearl Jam-like guitar picking intro, and then gets going with some near-rapcore vocals. The goofy "Starbucks Girl," sounds like something from Hawaii in the 50's, and before you know it you'll be crooning along "Cuuutee, little Starbucks girl." Skypark's not just about girls and failed relationships, though. The second to last song, "Christ Will Save You," was written by lead singer Tyrone Wells and is explained by him: "We were playing out at Newport Beach on the pier, and there was a gentleman who was watching us real closely. I went over to talk to him afterwards. He just kind of broke down, crying. He was twice my age. I really didn't know how to deal with the situation, but I just stood there and talked to him for a while. That song was written from that experience."
What I like most about Skypark is that everything seems to work together. The music, the lyrics, the whole sound just flows. While this brand of rhythmic rock may not appeal to everyone, and while many may dismiss it as just another lame CCM product, one listen will dispel that myth, and a second listen will hook you.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #72Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovernGritty, yet soulful vocals stand tall amid beautifully messy guitars, reminding me a little of King's X, among others, but with a little more tonal variety on the strings. The vocals display a Motown quality, not unlike a modern rock James Brown (specifically in "Here Come the Bugs"). "Starbucks® Girl," a cute little ditty about a crush on an employee of the cafe, sticks out as the album's…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Josh SpencerAre you pretty? Well, yeah, you're kind of attractive sometimes. Better than average, anyway. The way you sing those great big choruses with varied vocals is really nice, although I prefer the shaky-from-emotion or white-guy-does-Doug Pinnick (King's X) styles to the over-affected Seven Day Jesus whine or the Black Crowes party blues voice (you just aren't my type when you do the latter). You…Similar sounding releases
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