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I can just see the brainstorming taking place about what to call this album.
“Right guys, we’ve got 11 tracks on the album… it’s Bryan’s 11th studio album… anything? Right… it’s so good critics will give it 11 out of 10? Maybe because it’s from everyone’s favourite Canadia rocker, people will turn up the volume on the amp to 11?” Oh I know… let’s call it 11!”
Well… based on the first two statements, they’ve opted for 11 as the title. But it’s not an 11 out of 10 album. It’s also not an album that will make you wish the volume knob went all the way to 11.
And the simple explanation for that is that there’s just no “Open Road,” or ”Summer of 69” or “Can’t stop this thing we started.” It’s more “Here I am” Bryan than anything else. Which isn’t as bad thing. It’s just more of a 7 out of 10 Bryan as opposed to an 11.
“Tonight we have the stars” kicks off the album and comforts the listener that Bryan has gone all Robbie Williams on us. First single “I thought I’d seen everything” is already proving to popular getting extensive airplay throughout SA. But after that, unless you’re a devout fan, you’ll probably be humming “I know I’ve heard everything.” Don’t get me wrong, Middle-of-the-road Bryan is still better than many a male artist on top form, but somehow I was hoping Bryan would be “Waking up the Neighbours” again like he did on his early 90’s classic album of the same name.
But then Bryan is Bryan… he can probably play the panflute and feature the South Mongolian Mountain Goat Ensemble in the background and it will still sell. This is after all a three time Academy Award nominee, a five time Golden Globe nominee and someone who spent 16 weeks on top of the UK charts with a song telling the world that everything he does, he does for you.
Simply put, it’s safe to say you can put Bryan on whatever the occasion. The lyrics are innocent, the voice reassuringly comforting, the whole mood of the album not pushing any boundaries. Bring on number 12 Bryan.
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