John Michael Ferrari – I Keep Dreaming (Album Review)

Today’s review features singer-songwriter John Michael Ferrari’s new album I Keep Dreaming. Ferrari is “a storyteller who transforms life experiences into emotional songs.” Ferrari is a gifted songwriter, as proven by his many songwriting awards and his current role on the SAG-AFTRA nominating committee for TV Show awards since 2022. Ferrari loves being on stage. As he says, “There’s never a stranger in the audience.”

Sharing time between Nashville, Tennessee, and a ranch in Pahrump, Nevada, Ferrari, alongside his music producer manager Pepper Jay, has crafted four country-pop crossover albums and an inspirational gospel EP.

I Keep Dreaming is the fifth album by Ferrari and Jay, which was recorded at the renowned Larry Beaird Music Group in Nashville, where they’ve recorded since 2019.

Ferrari is a returning customer. I reviewed his latest single How Far Apart Are We? I was mesmerized by his songwriting skills, noting that, in my opinion, Ferrari is an “experienced songwriter who understands how to craft a song to deliver emotional impact where the music matches the lyrics.” You can find my recent Ferrari single review here.

My expectations are high. Yours too?

So let’s have a listen …

I Keep Dreaming (Sentimental Fool) features the same great songwriting and arrangements. Everything flows and builds momentum in the song. Ferrari’s voice is good enough to pull it off. It has a very familiar sound. I love the western-sounding heavy reverb lead guitar throughout the song.

Who’s That Girl – I love how the song changes directions in the first chorus from the sound and cadence of the verse, loving the bridge when it hits “put on a show!” The song just flows really interesting way, lots of parts change.

Music With You starts off slow, “I strum my guitar” … and we’re off. “Have you heard my song on the radio?” Clever word choices: “It’s a dream come true, I’ve come to music with you.” A song about being a music performer. “Sha, la, la, la, la …”

I Keep Rollin’ On – a song about a traveling gambler, “four aces are all I need.” Nice pre-chorus chord arrangement lift just before the chorus “I Keep Rollin’ On!” Loving the female backing vocals later in the song!

One Heck of a Girl starts off with a springy piano and guitar vamp joined in by the male and female vocals singing doo, doo, doodoodoo, doo’s. The verse comes in with Ferrari singing a sweet tale about “his girl”. I like the middle bridge, particularly the simple but elegant lead guitar solo. This song has a bounce to its step. You can feel the bounce with your ears.

Are You Ready For Love, “keep on dancing!” This song has more of a jazzy feel. “All this magic from one sweet kiss!” Again, a simple but effective guitar solo. Ferrari’s songs all have nicely flowing arrangements.

Yes I Do – I love the arrangement on this song. “Do I love you? Yes, I do!”

The arpeggiated guitar riff gives the song a bit of a Spanish feel, but it’s definitely progressive adult contemporary within a nicely flowing contemporary jazz package. And it’s fun to listen to. “I promise you!”

Crazy In Love starts off with a nice lead guitar line, quickly followed by the first verse. “Crazy, crazy, crazy in love with you!” I really like the female backing vocals in the chorus and throughout the song. It adds depth to the song. Makes me think of Christmas songs for some reason, probably because of the way the vocals weave together over the instrumental track.

Please Tell Them “that you’re my girl.” The song has a nice middle bridge. And it has a ’50s rock feel. “Somebody to take you home, somebody.” I like the bouncing keyboard part, which nicely fits the genre of the song. Suddenly, a string section enters in the middle of the song. Very nice.

I Wouldn’t Lie has more of a remembrance feel. Reminiscing about the old times in San Francisco. This song has a ‘60s R&B type feel. “Living on memory lane.” “I never said I loved you, I wouldn’t lie.” Nice song.

That’s What You Do kicks off with a horn section. Very Seattle movie feel. “That’s What You Do when you’re in my arms!” A brilliant love song. Very nicely constructed middle bridge in this song. “And when your lips are touching mine” … rhymed with “climb”. Got to love great creative rhyming.

I really enjoyed listening to this album, and I have a feeling you will too!

SCORE/Outstanding: John Michael Ferrari’s new album is a master class in songwriting. Every song moves in interesting ways – like a belly dancer for your ears. You’ll very much enjoy this sonic listening experience. And, ultimately, that’s what it’s all about. Much love, Beth

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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