By Amanda Daubert – Kyle Richardson is finally speaking up with his debut album Louder Than Words which dropped earlier this month. Showcasing the way an artist can blend the pop genre with an intriguing mix of contemporary, soul, dance and motown to create a sound all his own. Richardson aims to use his platform and unique sound to demonstrate “universal themes of friendship, love, loyalty, and getting through the hard times with positivity and confidence.”
With three pre-leased singles, “Can You Hear Me,” “Anything,” and “Fight the Good Fight,” fans of this Vancouver native knew they were in for something special with this long-awaited eleven track debut, and they were not disappointed. The albums tracks beautifully showcase the vocal, lyrical and musical dynamics which are as complex as the emotions that inspired them.
Produced by Jeff Dawson, who has produced Daniel Powter and Kelly Rowland, with “Fight the Good Fight” co-produced by Alan Poettcker, each of the 11 tracks features Richardson’s writing along with co-writing contributions from Dawson, Poettcker, Andrew Allen, and Tea Petrovic. With the combined experience and musical talents of this magnitude, one could expect but never imagine the heartfelt expressions of the unique moments in life that somehow feel familiar to everyone throughout each track.
The first single, “Can You Hear Me,” which debuted back in May, was Richardson’s anthemic return to the music scene, and what a return it was. With the title and lyrics Richardson seemed to be calling out his fans and critics alike, letting them know he was ready to make his mark. Sophomore single “Anything” followed in July displaying a vulnerable and relatable look into the complex give and take of love that can reach unattainable heights and truly do anything. Lastly, the final pre-released single, “Fight the Good Fight,” showcased Richardson’s range within the pop genre with a more electronic-club backing track, while keeping true to his style of heartfelt lyrics featuring a powerful message of perseverance.
Diving into the unreleased tracks, Richardson might have been saving some of his best surprises for the full release. Channeling his inner John Legend, with his captivating voice over a haunting piano, Richardson steals your heart with “Perfect Crime.” The passionate depiction of a new love features honest and vulnerable lyrics like “You let me take my time, didn’t care about my scars, opened up my mind, now I’m falling,” a beautiful and raw expose of how it feels letting someone new in to see the real you.
Lightening up the mood, you’ll be ready to toss away your plans and run away with “Fun,” a commencement speech gone wrong in all the right ways. Next, taking the pep in your step, and adding a bit of swagger, we arrive at “Everything About You.” In this track Richardson showcases his vocal range with a spot-on falsetto and chant along chorus, making this a must add track for your night out playlist.
With a sound reminiscent of fellow Canadian crooner, Michael Bublé, title track “Louder Than Words” offers soulful storytelling, beautifully paired with smooth vocals, that transport any listener to their own post-breakup heartache, reminiscing how “Love speaks louder than words.” If you’re thinking back on an old love, with a bit more fondness, you can walk with Richardson down “Memory Lane,” an emotional time-traveling track both lyrically and musically with a beautiful sound that could have graced the radio waves in decades past.
Rounding out the album fans will easily find themselves swaying along to a flashback hit with “Sooner or Later,” clapping in-time to the mood-boosting “Nice to Meet You,” and raising their hands high to the powerful and inspiring ballad “Keep the Faith.”
From start to finish Louder Than Words beautifully demonstrates how one person’s private and emotional life experiences, which feel so unique, are also shared by so many. The songs take the most complex yet common feelings that scream inside every one of us, and while they may never have a voice, they now have a song. Take a listen to Louder Than Words and see which pages of your secret diary get played aloud.
Track List:
- Can You Hear Me
- Anything
- Perfect Crime
- Fight the Good Fight
- Fun
- Everything About You
- Louder Than Words
- Memory Lane
- Sooner or Later
- Nice to Meet You
- Keep the Faith
Keep up to date with Kyle Richardson across his socials @TurnUpTheKyle
