Daniel Powter – S/T / 2006 Warner Bros / 10 Tracks / http://www.danielpowter.com / http://www.warnerbros.com / Reviewed 29 March 2006

Daniel Powter plays a very free and open style of pop rock that will fit well alongside groups like Maroon 5 and John Maher. The first track, “Song 6” shows that Powter is immediately marketable for any type of pop radio play. All of the songs on this self-titled disc are within a minute of each other in length, meaning that Powter has found a formula to drive home during the entirety of this album. Of course, the major thing individuals will hear when they put this disc on is Powter’s voice, which smoothly lies over all of the instrumentation and compels listeners to focus in that much more.

“Bad Day” is on its own pinnacle, with the modifications done to eir voice are done at all the right time and actually surpass even the instruments in regards to setting the track. Each of the songs brings something new to the table that individuals might not expect from Powter; for example, “Suspect” adds an electronic sound to the track that links Powter to both Smash Mouth and Dirty Vegas. “Styrofoam” is a track that moves beyond the immediate gains of Powter’s previous tracks to grab listeners ever tighter with a nuanced sound that will tattoo itself on all listeners’ hearts. The slightly slower sound of the second side of this album is interesting, as it is diametrically opposed to what Powter puts out for the primary part of this disc. United, what comes forth on this self-titled disc is very even-handed and a delight to listen to.

The inclusion of a funk style during “Hollywood” really makes Powter into a Jamiroquai meets Newsboys creation; the radio-friendliness of eir songs on this disc does not diminish with these different styles. Adding an increased amount of piano to the latter half of the disc ties Powter in with a number of other stars in the pop scene, most notably Ben Folds and Dave Matthews. Unlike both of those artists, there is a sincerity in each of Powter’s tracks on this self-titled release that will draw listeners in like bears to honey. Here’s to hoping that Powter has a long and successful career that spans the years, as eir style of pop and rock music will be what is needed for an increasingly dreary popular music scene in the United States. This music was done for any true fan of skilled artistry, and Powter mixes artistic commitments with the desires of eir fans.

Top Tracks: Song 6, Lie

Rating: 6.8/10

[JMcQ]