Matt DeAngelis – I’m Just The Keyboard Player (Single Review)

Matt DeAngelis, a singer-songwriter from Southern New Jersey, crafts music with heart, vulnerability, and intention, and his latest track, “I’m Just the Keyboard Player,” is no exception. DeAngelis, who began songwriting at age eight, channels a lifetime of personal growth, mental health advocacy, and deep empathy into this reflective rock ballad that leans into emotion without ever feeling overproduced or insincere.

The song opens immediately with sombre piano chords and a later melancholy vocal line: “Can’t you stay just one more day.” It sets a tone that’s introspective and raw, evoking shades of Ricky Montgomery with a similar emotional edge and understated theatricality in the vocal delivery. DeAngelis’s voice has a storytelling quality to it, something you’d expect on a dimly lit stage, where every lyric is felt as much as it is heard.

Beneath the vocals, a steady drum beat keeps the song grounded, providing momentum without overwhelming the arrangement. It’s a subtle but effective element that drives the track forward. The production overall is impressively balanced. Every instrument, from the piano to the restrained guitar lines, sits comfortably in the mix, giving DeAngelis’s voice the space it deserves while supporting the mood with intention.

The chorus is a standout moment, both catchy and emotionally resonant. The lyric “I’m just the keyboard player” explores feelings of invisibility or inadequacy within a group dynamic, hinting at deeper themes of self-worth and identity. It’s a powerful metaphor that will resonate with listeners who’ve ever felt overlooked or underestimated, and DeAngelis delivers it with a conviction that feels deeply personal.

After the chorus, there’s a brief but beautiful moment where the keyboard takes the spotlight, underscoring the emotional weight of the song’s title. The guitar work is equally restrained, slow, and thoughtful, complementing the vocal phrasing and adding to the track’s overall cohesion. As the song progresses, it gradually builds in intensity, especially as it approaches the final chorus. This sense of build gives the track a natural arc, keeping listeners engaged and emotionally invested through to the final note.

DeAngelis’s passion for songwriting, mental health awareness, and climate advocacy shines through in the authenticity of his music. “I’m Just the Keyboard Player” feels like more than just a rock song; it’s a heartfelt expression of personal struggle, artistic purpose, and the quiet strength found in vulnerability.

SCORE/ Outstanding – This track marks another strong step in DeAngelis’s evolving catalogue, and it’s a clear reflection of an artist who isn’t afraid to turn life’s challenges into something beautiful. If you’re a fan of that, give it a listen!

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

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