Rob Alexander – Being Myself

A truly classic album requires a great deal of elements to make it so: a timelessness, a true personality, and a willingness to take risks, all of which applies perfectly to Rob Alexander’s “Being Myself”. Incredible chops permeate the whole album, from the bombast of the horns to the incredible nimbleness of the guitars. By far though the true heart and soul of the album comes from Rob’s passionate vocals. Delivered with almost a glam rock sort of style, his methods make sense considering some of his backing band comes from three current members of Elton John’s band. Beyond this, Rob’s vocals have more than a passing semblance to Elton John the legend.
Stylistically, Rob draws from the past as well as the present. Nods to 80s pop like David Bowie emerge out of the mix such as the infectious bass work. The optimism present in the album opts for a thoughtfulness, one heavily focused on introspection. By allowing the songs to grow in such a way, both adhering to classic pop as well as intelligent explorations of relationships recalls the deceptively complex arrangements of Jon Brion. Volume is an absolute must for the sound virtually washes over the listener in the best way possible. Funk, jazz, lounge, honky-tonk, all within a singer-songwriter pop template make the album a truly immersive experience.
“This Hollywood Road” opens things up on an expansive note, with an insistent rhythm driving through the whole of the mix. A sense of triumph runs through the stately riffs of the title track “Being Myself”. Spry arrangements work wonders for the song’s giddiness is so welcoming. Further in the same direction is the playful “We Own This Town Tonight”. Easily the highlight of the album comes with the powerful “Life as We Know It”. Such defiance defines the piece, as the many keyboards intermingle to create a virtual kaleidoscope of melodies.
“Never Gonna Let You Go” slows things down a little bit choosing a soothing meditative tract. A pastoral approach rests in the center of the joyous “Our Love Will Last Forever”. On “Fed Up” Rob strips things down to the essentials. Little flourishes give it a jazzy approach, with the sun-drenched arrangement giving it a light airiness. Glowing synthesizers drift through the dreamy “American Love Song”. Deep in the funk is the physicality of “I-O-U” whose grooves roll through with such urgency. Rushing through like a blurred bliss is the wild “Secrets & Lies”. The spaghetti western twang of “Loved by You” gives the closer a cinematic spirit.
Rob Alexander offers up a celebration of the ups and downs that make up a full life on the gorgeous “Being Myself”.