audiopinions

Ryan Star – 11:59
Atlantic Records (August 3, 2010)
RIYL: Daughtry, David Cook

Back in 2006, CBS aired a reality show titled Rock Star: Supernova, which was the second season of Rock Star. This would be the show’s last season, but it did end up giving us Ryan Star. Ryan Star was one of the most diverse contestants that year before he eventually finished sixth. Ryan Star, however, is the one to have the most success out of both of the seasons. He is signed to Atlantic Records and releasing 11:59 to the masses. Will we see a dynamic Ryan Star or has he decided to stick to one aspect on the record?

The album starts out with “Brand New Day” which was released on his EP last year. It is a very mellow track that lets you focus on his voice. His voice is as strong as ever and he has many dynamics at his arsenal to use. “Right Now” continues the mellow start to the album and the chorus is one of the best found on the album. The ending gives you the feel of a shift to rock, but that is not the case. By this time you are starting to figure out that Ryan Star has turned all his dynamics into a great blend and poured them all over these songs. Three songs in and none of them have sounded the same while his voice has not been monotone.

“We Might Fall” gives the listener a taste of Ryan Star’s piano skills in the beginning. It also gives the listener a taste of the more pop exclusive side of Star before building up to a powerful and emotional ending. He then follows that up with a pop-rocker in the form of “This Could Be The Year.” The listener then hears “Unbreak” and knows that that song has the potential to be a huge single. “Start A Fire” has a very bouncy chorus to it that will make anyone want to move. The backing band on the album does not really do anything special, but the parts wrote from them add that extra dimension into the songs.

11:59 is a pop-rock album that everyone can pick up and love. Star has showed everyone that his voice is still one of the best around, that he can write and arrange great songs, and that he can write some great lyrics. There is something for everyone on the album and Ryan Star can seemingly do no wrong. This is one of the only albums in a while that has not had many or any faults and is fully in the race for album of the year.