Album Review: Dean Lewis Remind Us Of “A Place We Knew”

Recently reviewing Dean Lewis, I noticed his rather “Springsteen” qualities. For one, he uses his personal experiences and growth as a pen of optimism; writing songs that, basically, tell his listeners, “Chin Up!” Like other, rising artists, he used his debut, A Place We Knew, to move those of us that feel our lives are too small to be big, but yet are bombarded by the little moments of love that meant so much to us. 

Ironically, people say, “Death is in the details,” because it is truly life that is within them. We believe it is the cover of books that elevates their tales, but tracks like, “7 Minutes,” “Waves,” and “For The Last Time” have Lewis singing to what is inside. He sees relationships like an investment into someone’s story; a choice to take part and help them write a memorable chapter. The problem is, from “A Place We Knew” to “Half A Man,” the realization that chapters end. Thus, how you write a relationship, or rather a tale of love ,with someone really only matters to you. 

For however many people will come into your life to watch, listen, and even comment on your “stories,” as the writer of them, all that matters is what you feel. Thus, for Dean Lewis, his journey is really about making that truth enough for him, and assuring that he elevates his feelings. Songs such as, “Chemicals,” “Stay Awake,” “Straight Back Down,” and “Be Alright” have Lewis voice and guitar melodies stirring a ruckus of emotions. Like his show, Lewis performs his songs as if he is the emotional epicenter of a bar full of friends and beer. He embodies the conversations on life, laughs with lovers, and wonders over decisions that occur in these dimly lit locales. This may seem like a strange comparison, but it holds to his charm of accessibility. 

Vocally, Lewis sounds smoothly grained. When you pick up a grain it may feel jagged, but then put it in a barrel of its own, and it appears softs. The same goes for how Lewis emotes his verses, and brings forth the hopefulness that tomorrow truly is better than today. For him, nostalgia stirs when we realize tomorrow did not bring what it promised, i.e. A Place We Knew, but you cannot stop hoping that one of those tomorrows actually does. For More Information On Dean Lewis And To Buy A Place We Knew On March 22 Click Here.