CD Review: "Everything Good" by Jason Daniello

Jason Daniello will hold a CD release party for "Everything Good" at The Launchpad tonight with performances by The Oktober People, Alex Rose and Spybox. Cover is $5. Show starts at 9 p.m.

The hip-hop explosion of the past couple of decades has had such a huge influence on popular music that when modern-day listeners are confronted with a textbook example of a "song" with lines of melody, for example, it may be startling at first.

While initially that may seem like a negative thing, well-written songs, such as those found on singer/songwriter Jason Daniello's latest offering, "Everything Good," (self-released) suddenly appear as fresh as hip-hop might have in its infancy. Following his debut, "Re-Creation," Daniello's well-honed craft is in full bloom on songs such as the instantly hummable "Elizabeth Anne" (a nod to Elvis Costello's "Alison") and the potent melodicism of "Resist" (akin to the Gin Blossoms' best material).

Daniello's keen pop sensibilities result in songs that are fluid, simple and brilliantly structured. From the bright acoustic hooks of the album's opener, "What You Can," to the slow-burn electric guitar and thick bass lines of the title track, Daniello holds his heart on his sleeve both lyrically and instrumentally.

Daniello is a shot in the arm for both the loved and the lovelorn. If the world is just, Jason Daniello would be a household name. Relationships would be just as difficult, but easier to get through with "Everything Good" as the soundtrack.
Albuquerque Journal

© 2005, Jason Daniello Music.