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Spencer Day

Daybreak

Review by Gary Hill

Here we get an album that really feels like it belongs in a different era. This is the kind of thing that would have come out in the crooner era, really. Most of it has that same kind of swing to sing jazz vibe. This is mellow and melodic. It’s pop music, but vintage pop music. That said, there are a few points where we get some modern elements. While it’s not necessarily my kind of thing, it is the type of sound that appeals on some level to virtually anyone. After all, what’s not to like about solid pop music?

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2014  Volume 4 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review
Missing Tonight
The piano that starts this brings a real blues vibe. The cut works out to a jazz style arrangement from there. This is catchy, classy and soulful.
Naturally
I love the smooth, bouncy pop rock sound of this. It still has some jazz in the mix and there’s even a little country music here.
These Boots Are Made for Walkin'
I love this jazz treatment of this old chestnut. It’s a lot of fun and oozes style and class. The closing section makes me think of both The Brian Setzer Big Band and The Stray Cats.
Don't Let Me In
This is more of a pure pop rock tune. It loses the jazz that we heard in the other songs. It hasn’t lost any of the charm or effectiveness, though. This is also great stuff.
Never My Love
With some vintage country sounds in the mix, this feels very much like a pop song from the 1940s or 1950s. It’s a nice bit of variety and an effective piece. It’s just not really my kind of thing.
Wait Till I Get You Alone
The jazzy element is merged with something a bit like 1960s pop rock. The combination works really well, making this one of the best tunes here.
Groovin'
This classic piece is delivered with a smooth jazz meets pop music kind of vibe. It’s another that I like a lot.
Bad Moon Rising
We get a jazzy, crooner styled treatment of this classic tune. Personally, it has a bit too much of a “lounge lizard” vibe for me, but it does have some charms.
World without Love
This is another that feels like it could have come from a previous decade. This time it’s the early 1960s. It’s a mellow ballad that’s very much like the stuff that came from that era. It’s okay, but not a great piece as far as I’m concerned.
You Don't Know You're Lonely

Here we get another jazzy crooner treatment. It’s good, and definitely quite retro.

 
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