EP Review: John Robert Is Happy “Bailey Barley Knew Me”
John Robert has arisen like a phoenix from the ashes to serve everyone some really good sad songs. Watching the news might leave you in tears, but, at least, his debut EP, Bailey Barley Knew Me, will make you happy cry. After all, who doesn’t love songs of unrequited love, wasted youth, and a feeling that today is all we have, at least, when it comes to our dreams?
With influences like Sufjan Stevens and Jeff Buckley, John Robert certainly fits the field of our modern, folk tale-tellers. He uses the latter legends ability to make their songs the stories of lives you will never meet. We might not ever have lunch with Bailey Barley but songs such as, “Urs” or “Love Won’t You Stay” make you feel like you know her dreams and imagined bond with John Robert. Sonically, the album feels simple in melodies but visual in lyrics, which is why its 5 tracks are come of like picture-books you can hear.
John-Robert – Urs (Official Music Video)
Blessed with a voice that sound earthed in wisdom beyond his years, Robert has what I like to call “The Adele Effect.” For some reason it is superbly gripping to see a really young person singing to love as if they have lived for a thousand years and been through enough relationships to fill an entire Barnes & Noble with stories. On one hand, it makes the artists appear like a voice for their youthful generation; one that is emotionally underestimated as being “inexperienced” in life. On the other hand, they impress older generations for their ability to appear both young and timeless; a “kid” with the capacity to approach love universally. John Robert, certainly, fits the bill.
John-Robert – Adeline (Official Music Video)
EP’s are like dipping your toe into a pool, the debut album, while knowing you will have to jump in and learn to swim. In some ways, they are the appetizers before the meal, of which they have to make listeners want more while making “the taste” memorable enough. John Robert achieves such a feat with Bailey Barley Knew Me, and has a textured tone to his voice that makes you want to know him. For More Information On John Robert Click Here.
John-Robert – Pelican (Official Music Video)
