Rob Lalain is making waves with his much-anticipated release, "Life." A self-taught multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter, Lalain has long been hailed for matching heartfelt lyrics to irresistible melodies. With this record, he raises his game, creating a moving and complex map of the human experience.
But "Life" is a record that showcases Rob's genuine love for his craft and the hard work he's put into creating it over the last year and a half. Each song on "Life" reflects a different part of being human, from a hazy glow to the struggles and breakthroughs that make one who they are. Rob pours his heart and soul into the music, pouring his heart into the music and lyrics that are relatable and resonate on a personal level.
And borne on his years of devotion to The Beatles, cherishing Paul McCartney particularly, Life has a timeless melodic feel. "Life" also channels the spirit of Oasis, blasting each song through the air with an anthemic energy and inescapable hook. Something is appealing about how classic rock sensibilities in "Life" come together with pop sensibility.
What makes "Life" unique, though, is Rob's commitment to a sound that feels at once of the moment and the past. His solo approach is virtually unheard of in a collaborative genre: Rob played all the instruments and sang all the vocals on the album himself. This audacious choice underscores his self-sufficiency and determination as an artist. Yet, in a charming twist, "Life" includes a pair of collaborations with Sean Weyers on "Bulletproof" and "You Ain't The One." It, Rob's first collaborations in more than two decades, add another layer to a well-stocked discography.
The production of "Life" is crisp and polished, but the emotional raggedness is still at the top of my mind. Each song seems almost intimate, like a glimpse into Rob's Life. There are signposts of jubilation, but also an inward-looking quality that encourages listeners to examine their experiences.
"Coming Home" and "Roses In The Rain" are standout tracks. "Coming Home throbs with optimism and hope, while "Roses In The Rain" offers beautiful melancholy. Both songs demonstrate Rob's talent for melding emotional resonance with earworm-y hooks.