BWW CD Review: Blake Whyte's 'More Like Myself'

Wicked and Mamma Mia alum Blake Whyte has finally released his debut solo album More Like Myself. The album falls into the pop/jazz genre mastered by John Mayer and Jason Mraz. While these are big names to follow, as the pop/jazz genre is one that many try to master, Whyte nails it with his innovative debut record. Almost all the tracks on the album have serious radio potential.

For this album, Whyte takes a road rarely embarked by musicians - the upside of love and relationships. Different from the Taylor Swift approach, he writes about the nice parts of love - the happiness and feeling of being totally enamored. Tunes about the failure of a relationship or a never-was relationship take a more empowering approach, as Whyte sings about coming out on top and it being the other persons loss if the relationship failed, or if they never gave you that chance. The mood of the album is ultimately uplifting and easy listening

The track "You don't know bout me...sorry about it," is a perfect example of this, as it is empowering. It is a song that says "your loss for finding out too late just how great I am." It's not condescending, and instead hopeful and is a song that would put anyone in a better mood.

The album is not blind to the sadness inflicted by a break up. "Why," is one of those tracks that expresses that feeling of "why did you go" and "why did this have to happen." It's not condescending or corny, instead it is honest and surprisingly not painful to listen to, as the lyrics are neither whiny nor harsh.

"Win or Lose," is the song off the album to belt out when you feel totally in love and want to scream it from the rooftops and "Summer Love Soul," a duet with Celisse Henderson, is the song to keep on repeat. Their voices sound incredible together. If you are a fan of Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat's "Lucky," you will love this song. This track doesn't come with the cheesy best friends falling for one another lyrics, instead it is more about the music composition and having fun with the genre and the two artists unique vocal capabilities. Instead the lyrics tell the story of a pair who are having fun toying and teasing one another, refusing to give the other any sense of security. It is true to the track title as it really is about a fun summer fling.

Songs like "More Like Myself," and "Common Ground," shows Whyte's Broadway roots, as they sound like numbers from a pop-rock musical - no complaints, because that's the best kind of musical.

The album as a whole is great start to finish, as all the songs transition well to the next. It is perfect to listening to when you are relaxing, or trying to get some work done. It is not too loud to be obnoxious, but not to slow to be tiring. Whyte definitely struck gold with this debut album.

More Like Myself is currently available for purchase on iTunes.

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