“Ok Now” - Jon McLaughlin
American pop-rock singer Jon McLaughlin has come back for round two. His debut album, entitled “Indiana,” established him a solid fanbase, selling over 15,000 copies and reaching number 81 on the Billboard 200. Now returning with his sophomore LP, McLaughlin has the sound of a seasoned pro. Though there are a few small mishaps, “Ok Now” is an overall brilliant display of talent that suggests a bright future for the lively singer-songwriter from Anderson, Indiana.
Lead single “Beating My Heart” is the energetic opening track. Accompanied by an uptempo, synth-driven piano rock instrumentation, McLaughlin delivers a gorgeous falsetto: “There are times every now and then,/ I forget why I’m breathing out,/ Why I’m breathing in.” The lyrics are admittedly simple, but his passion for singing is undeniable, and his delivery is dead-on. The energetic vibe sets the tone for the rest of the album.
If you’re already a fan of McLaughlin’s vocals, you’ll definitely enjoy most of “Ok Now’s” offerings, as he makes sure there’s something for everyone. Including everything from 80’s-inspired danceables (“Dance Your Life Away”) to cheesy ballads (“Four Years”), he seems to cover all the mainstream pop-rock bases. His vocal styling and wide falsetto range is highly reminiscent of Tom Chaplin (lead singer from UK piano rock band Keane), especially on “Things That You Say.”
And then there’s the tearjerker. “We All Need Saving’s” unabashedly tender lyrics describe how we all are vulnerable and need to be rescued, at some time or another. McLaughlin definitely has the nuanced vocals and calculated breathiness to pull off this standout track.
McLaughlin’s writing doesn’t always highlight his vocal depth, however. “Always On My Mind” and “You Are the One I Love” end up sounding pretty generic, which isn’t bad by any means, but neither the lyrics nor the instrumentation differentiate these tracks enough from what you might hear on the radio. It’s pretty standard piano-rock fare, which is becoming more common by the day.
That’s why it’s so refreshing to hear McLaughlin switch things up with “Why I’m Talking to You.” It begins with a bluesy, Dave Barnes-esque vibe, as McLaughlin sings: “The stars moved when you walked in the room/ That’s why I’m talking to you/ My heart won’t beat in the groove/ Unless I’m talking to you.” Building into a soulful piano solo, he leads us into the song’s breakdown. Even at four-and-a-half minutes long, the song stays fresh. This track displays more attitude, soul, and creativity than any other on the album, and it’s a sound I’d like to see McLaughlin run with in the future.
“Ok Now” is an excellent follow-up to “Indiana,” and an excellent foundation to future success. Tracks like “Beating My Heart” and “We All Need Saving” will surely win the remaining skeptics into believers. While the LP as a whole is by no means groundbreaking, it doesn’t need to be; this is only his sophomore effort. There is certainly room for improvement, but in the meantime, “Ok Now” should hold Jon McLaughlin fans over until his next release. Look out for this rising star.
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