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Hailing from the charming town of Duluth, Minnesota, Hans Halstead is a prolific singer, songwriter, and talented guitarist. Hans Halstead dipped his toes in music at the very young age of 5 while learning to play classical guitar using the Suzuki method. Hans started to mold into a performer as he started performing at talent shows in college. Hans took songwriting seriously after a breakup and used it as a form of therapy to cope with the grief. Hans' musical journey has introduced many of his emotional odes to the world. Let's take a deep dive into Hans' latest album "Everything Was Better When It Was Worse".
The album's laid-back theme is established by the opening track "Six Feet Under". Hans utilizes a very rhythmic approach with catchy vocal lines and a steady groove that will hook you in without doing much.
"Dancing at the Edge of the World" is a melancholy composition with a swinging guitar arpeggio and a piano carefully harmonizing Hans' soothing voice.
"Time and Place' is a very unique track that has a sense of nostalgia to it because of the drum work that is reminiscent of the 80s pop scene.
"Say you Won't, Say you Will" is an upbeat rock ballad with lush overdriven guitars and bluesy vocals by Hans! The track uses an unconventional rhythm scheme for the vocals which really makes the track stand out.
"False 9" is an impactful track that has a super catchy piano riff. The vocals really show a dynamic range by going from low to high in an instant demonstrating the vocal prowess Hans has.
"Sunset in Duluth" is an emotional ode to Hans' hometown of Duluth. Hans talks about his most cherished memories with the town in this slow ballad. Good lord that Sax solo is sooooooo fine!
"Sister's Place" is a playful upbeat track that somehow has a style that sounds like a fusion between The Beatles and Bob Dylan. Hans has a knack for using non-rock instruments in rock music and it shows in this track with how he used pizzicato strings for the riffs.
"The American Dream" is a country-like song that talks a lot about what is wrong with the country and its problems. It has a swinging rhythm which is quite uncommon for a track having country music influences.
"Is it Wrong?" is a song that asks many questions to society about acceptance and appreciation. The track sounds very southern with its galloping drums and plucking guitar. The electric guitar also lays down some smooth melodies to accompany the vocals.
"Storm of Goodbyes" is a cinematic tear-jerker for real. The track is emotional and will touch just the right parts of your soul with its use of violins and piano that caress the vocals deliver you with sorrow and cuddle you as you cry your eyes out.
"Day of Love" is a minimalist track that weaves a story with just a guitar and a piano that joins later. The song starts out slow but slowly catches up speed with a whole orchestra ambiance!
"One Good Reason" is how the album concludes with a simple acoustic composition that uses a simple ukulele arpeggio that follows you around throughout the track as it slowly builds itself accompanied by synths down the line and ending on a high note with a synth solo!
The album is a harmonic treat that will give you a cinematic and theatrical music experience. It would be a no-brainer to not give this album a spin!
Dive into the Tune here -
Check more tracks here -
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