BWW CD Reviews: Seth Glier's IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING is Vibrantly Smooth

Grammy nominated artist Seth Glier released his latest studio album, IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING, on April 7, 2014. On the record, the 26 year old singer-songwriter brings a charming pop sensibility to these mostly mellow tunes. Crafting an album that reminds listeners of artists like Ed Sheeran and Ryan Tedder (of OneRepublic), Seth Glier does find his own distinct voice and sings with a timbre and tonality that is simultaneously airy and vibrantly smooth.

In the vein of the singer-songwriter tradition, the album has a contemporary yet stripped down feel. Only the necessary instrumentation accompanies Seth Glier's vocals, letting the often romance-tinged lyrics take center stage. With his captivating vocals front and center, the album comes to life with a relaxed tonality. This allows the poetry of the music and lyrics to softly swirl in the air and land lightly on the heart. This musical approach is also reinforced in the work of producer Bill Lefler, who has worked with Ingrid Michaelson and Joshua Radin.

Throughout the entirety of the album, each tune dances through relatable emotions and scenarios of love and loss. The keen construction of the songs makes them the kind of heartrending but radio friendly pop songs that truly stick with you. Stand out tracks on the album include the up-tempo love-at-first-sight anthem "Electricity." With tangible heartache, Seth Glier loads the catchy ballad "Scars" with rich emotionality and tenderness. The poignant urgency of "If I Could Change One Thing," featuring American Idol alumni Crystal Bowersox, tugs at the heartstrings with its lyrics about wishing against all odds to undo the hurt of absolute heartbreak. "Step Outside," with its stirring, bluesy bass line, is also instantly infectious.

Another one of the album's most enchanting qualities is the appearance by Joe Nerney on multiple songs. He is a blind 62-year-old sax player who tours with Seth Glier, and his lushly authentic additions on tracks like "Electricity," "Love is a Language," and "You Wear It Well" give the record an added layer of dazzling life and musicality.

On IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING, Seth Glier croons with a charming charisma and deftly appeals to the pathos of the listener. Whether singing a touching ballad or an upbeat song, this is the kind of album that pairs well with a cloudy day and a bold red wine. It'll also mix well on a shuffled iPod or Spotify playlist, with each of Seth Glier's tracks standing out as a bright spots amongst your other favorite songs.

MPress Records released Seth Glier's IF IC OULD CHANGE ONE THING on Tuesday April 7, 2014. The record can be purchased from iTunes, Amazon, and elsewhere music is sold.

For more information about Seth Glier, please visit http://sethglier.com. You can also follow him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Lastly, be sure to catch him on his headlining tour, which includes a stop on April 17, 2015 at New York City's Rockwood Music Hall.

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