Johnny Pags – Versatile (Album Review)

Today’s review features Johnny Pags new album Versatile. Johnny says, “This album represents all the different emotions we all go through in our entire lives. Stop many chapters, so many stories. Ups and downs, back and forth, good and bad….we all go through it. That’s what makes us all so ‘VERSATILE’”.

With Johnny playing not only piano, but bass and strings and whatever else he so masterfully adds, the album is a course on clever songwriting. A keyboard player and songwriter for over 30 years. Born and raised, and still living on Long Island. Johnny loves to create music for any genre.

So let’s have a listen …
https://johnnypags.com/

Fog & Euphoria, the first track on the album, starts off with a nice keyboard vamp. The track sounds happy. Reminds me a little bit of The Beatles in the arrangement of the song. I like that the song throws so many complete changes of direction in the arrangement. I always like songs that say “I want to fly across the sky”, I’m a sucker for those lyrics.

The verse sections of the second song on the album, Reflections, remind me of the Steve Miller Band. The chorus takes an interesting turn of ear. Nice, simple, but effective, sax solo during the bridge. The lead vocals repeat “Reflections in the mirror” while a female vocalist joins in the fun.

When I Look In Your Eyes is the third track on the album. Starts off with the sound of rain. And sounds of a live crowd against a nice piano riff. Then the electronic keyboard kicks in with a sound similar to Styx.

You’re More Than Just A Friend is a slow and somber piano vamp, with matching lyrics. I like the lyrics of this song. I like that the voice carries an appropriate amount of emotion, just enough to hook a listener. “How do I tell my best friend that I want to change what we have … into love?”

Separate Lives starts off with a really strong vocal, my favorite on the album so far. I love the very effective chord changes and arrangements that Johnny incorporates into his songwriting. This song is on a piano, which I prefer over keyboards. The chord vamps really drive this song. Leading “Separate Lives” – like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

The sixth song on the album, A New Found Love, starts off with a very strong piano riff, then electronic keyboards with a Beatle-esque sound continue the riff. “If you give it all to the Lord, he’ll return to you what was overdue.” The song definitely serves up a plate of religious invitation.

Someone’s Getting Lucky, the seventh song on the album, is a very uptempo funk riff. “Take me down to the river tonight, and let the stars shine on me!” Johnny has quite a way with words and creating interesting chord arrangements. I like how the song drops out into a very peppy vocal rap, then brings back the chorus – “Someone’s getting lucky tonight!”

The eighth song on the album, Still To This Day, kicks off with a very reverb heavy keyboard riff. The song has a very somber sound. Set in the winter snow. A song about a lover leaving you. The song has a very uplifting vibe in the chorus break when the Pagman reminisces about how much he loved her. Then back into the somber mood with a string section. “Still to this day, I’m in love with you.” Reverting to strings to end the song.

The ninth song on the album is Goosebumps. Very old-style keyboard vamp. Old, like 50s style. I think the vocals could be louder in this mix. Reminds me of a Paul Anka song.

Nobody Would Cry, the tenth song, has probably my second favorite vocal performance on the album. The song has a very mellow vibe. “If I could take the pain and sadness from your eyes” … very beautiful sentiment.

Wide Awake kicks off with a New Orleans style ragtime vamp. The song has a quick paced vocal vibe and lyrics that remind me of Paul Simon. “I’m wide awake in the middle of the night” … “I can’t take no more!”  The song is full of interesting and ear-catching chord changes and melodies.

The final song on the album is American Freedom. It has a very slow pace and a very pensive sound. “Why did my soldiers have to die?” “American Freedom is red, white, and blue” and reminding us of the sacrifices that have gone into securing all of our American Freedoms. “Sometimes are freedom isn’t free.” A nice tribute to our military troops. The song has a key change during the chorus at the end of the song. “Defending our freedom is well worth fighting for.” I love the way this song ends – very epic!

SCORE/Excellent: I am impressed with the songwriting on Johnny Pags’ new album Versatile. The songs are indeed versatile. The performances and song construction on this album are masterful. If you like interesting music that makes you sing along and cheer, the Pagman’s new album may be your ticket to a good time! Much love, Beth

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