Ahmed Kharem is a musician from New York who recently released Nothing is a Lot. The album contains eleven songs. I thought this vibe and style that Kharem is playing into these songs is more popular than ever. Kharem plays into melancholy and nostalgia that goes between sounding hopeful and hopeless. It has that sort of tortured artist type of feel that comes with a side of beauty. Although this blend of emotions seems to be most ubiquitous amongst singer/songwriters Kharem certainly does it very well.
The album starts with “Nothing is a Lot” and suffice it to say if you like this song you will like all the songs. There is light guitar picking, reflection and the classic spirit of the ’60’s troubadour/folk musician. The vocals are very well delivered and the dynamics are subtle but effective. “Love on the Cape” is even more still and intimate than the opener. The piano and notes are ever so soft as are the vocals. “Center” is very angelic and ambient sounding. “Floorboard” was a highlight which again embraces soft guitar and subtle single piano notes. The other highlight was “You Know the Sea” and I love the fact that drums came into the mix. “Bridges” is the closer and also contains drums. It’s also the most hopeful sounding song that blends all the melancholy and reflection from before. These songs often crossed over into easy listening to me when it came to the textures and tones. The songs on top of emotional traits I mentioned are sweet and tender. It’s obvious that Kharem is trying to be sincere with his words and emotion even when certain moments felt somewhat saccharine. This type of contemplative thought certainly feels more appropriate at different times at least for myself. I think watching a sunset by the lake or taking a solo hike would feel like the time I would listen to Nothing is a Lot and fully engage with these types of emotions. On that note everyone is different and you can decide for yourself when you want to enjoy these songs.
1 Comment
Ahmed Kharem
9/19/2019 12:56:41 pm
Hey, thanks so much for reviewing the album. I appreciate the positive comments.
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