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The Critics Corner: Albums
Picturesque
Chase Coy- Picturesque
Major label debut scratches surface of potential for singer-songwriter

Name: Picturesque
Label: Universal Republic
Release Date: June 1st, 2010
Rating: 3.7 out of 5

Review written by: Aubrey Musolf

“Picturesque” was released to the public on June 1, 2010. To get his fans pumped, Chase Coy blogged about dates to watch building up to the first of June on his Myspace, revealing events such as posting when new songs on Myspace and iTunes would be up, and even handing out free downloads left and right. This dedicated musician shines in his newest album by uniting old songs and new songs to create this 13-track masterpiece.

Chase begins “Picturesque” with a bittersweet song entitled “November.” When I listened to this song, and I’m sure anyone would agree, I found that it is a true break up song in its entirety. With the memorable lyric “all good things must end,” there’s no other thought in my mind except for ‘Chase must have gotten his heart broken.’ This gives the song a very personal touch, I might add, and reflects a deep aspect of his talents.

Following the previous break up song is yet, another break up song. “Who’s To Say” I was expecting him to write and place two in a row on the album but hey, maybe this is his heartbreak album, who knows? But just because he’s piling up the melancholy and sorrowful lyrics, it does not in any way mean this song won’t be one that girls will be crying to when they get their hearts broken too. Coy’s lyrics are nothing less than notable in my book.

Thirdly, Coy lines up the title track “Picturesque.” Here, I can only imagine seeing him staring at his girlfriend and his lyrics are the thoughts in his head.  It’s an adorable piece that makes me smile and I would love to have this song sung to me by that special someone. Chase really knows how to portray love through his music.

“Never Had The Courage” is one of those oldie but goody’s I was talking about.  He puts a new spin on the song though, and it is no longer an acoustic piece. Chase has gone so far as incorporating what sounds to be a string quintet to accompany his vocals. Though a strange combination, it makes for a beautiful orchestral piece. I’m still a bit iffy on this version, though. The guitar theme he used previously holds a place in my heart. 

In “These Things” I can definitely tell that Chase is partial to the snare drum and once again, he brings out the orchestra. With the sound of the snare, this song reminds me of a simplistic march. It’s hard to tell what direction he’s going for with this piece, but he’s undeniably heading in the right direction.

When I first heard the song “Airplanes” I fell in love with it. It has that special something that I can’t quite place my finger on. It could be his sweet voice, or the touching lyrics, or maybe it’s the combination of his engaging guitar ability and the carol of the piano. Whatever that thing may be, the song is addictive nonetheless.

Chase was recently signed to Universal Republic Records and he was very lucky to be working with the one and only Colbie Caillat in his song “If The Moon Fell Down.” They both have soft sounding vocal deliveries and when they are blended together, it’s as if their voices were made for each other. Watch out Jason Mraz, because here comes Chase Coy.

I wasn’t lying when I said Chase knows how to portray love in his music. “Anniversary” is simply one of the most beautiful love songs I have ever heard. Chase reveals on his first “About Me” blog on Myspace that he has a girlfriend and states, “…sorry to anyone who's disappointed by the fact that I have a girlfriend... but think how much more disappointing it would be if I was just writing songs for no one and they were all made up.” This shows the heart that he puts into his music and it is so inspirational.

“Coming Clean” is number nine on his album.  This is a very self-explanatory song.  Chase sings about how he sings songs about love but he never actually tells the truth in his songs. This was very unexpected, but at the same time, I gained a lot of respect for him through this song. It’s not easy for anyone to come out and say what they really think about themselves and I applaud him for his strength and courage.

Chase never ceases to astound me. Although his songs remain very safe music wise, his lyrics are what make him as a musician. “Take Me Away” is a song I can see myself relating to. There is always that point in time where you just want to run away, and the lyrics “there’s more than this Midwestern town, I can’t let this place keep me down,” give me hope that you can get out and see what you want to see and do the things you want to do.

“Eight-Dollar Engagement Ring” is another one of those cute love songs he’s so well known for. I’m glad to see he’s showcased this song on his new album, because its recognition is well overdue.

The music in “Losing Sleep” strongly reminds me of Jack Johnson, minus Johnson’s voice of course. Chase really knows how to write. The more I listen to this song, the more I want to keep listening to it. He pulls you in with a somewhat island sound musically, and his lyrics are what keep you coming back for more.

Chase ends his album with a bonus track entitled “Middle Of June.” Again he uses the orchestra, but it is assimilated so perfectly with what sounds to be a steel guitar. Recently speaking with one of Chase’s close friends, he relied to me that he wished I could have heard what this song first sounded like being recorded in his bathroom. And I wish I could have heard it too, to really hear how much Chase has grown as a musician. But from what I hear now, I can tell that he is an extremely talented artist.

If you haven’t yet I would highly recommend you purchase this album on iTunes. Chase gives you a taste of his potential and I am excited to see what comes of his success.
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