jon rizzo - the way you are

Jon Rizzo

The Way You Are
self-released; 2013

3.8 out of 5

By Eva Cantillo

The Way You Are is the first studio album from music collective Jon Rizzo. Even though this album was released recently, the sounds of the album are reminiscent of old time swing music, and perhaps even show tunes. The songs are light and airy and have a hypnotic melody to them while enticing you with a compelling story or moral.

The track titled after the album is a reminder to remain the person you were born to be. A trumpet accentuates the song and there is a guest singer, Maggie Norfleet, which is an addition that really ups the ante on this track. This song just reeks of show tune greatness. The song “Jeremiah” has a very religious tone and mentions various figures from the religious world. It is an entertaining song and also has a positive feel, as the piano chords are very dramatic. 

The last song on the album, “Love Takes Over,” is very encouraging and exciting as the feeling of love is. The descriptive lyrics “Now it is running up and down my spine… it’s like I’m breathing for the first time,” are sung before a very whimsical breakdown really encapsulates the feelings and flutterings of a new love.

The overall vibe of the album is very mellow and at times uplifting. The album maintains a new-age pop music feel yet there is sophistication behind the notes and lyrics. Undeniably, the sounds of a musical can be heard throughout the album as the music has a very dynamic feel, it seems as though the words are almost dancing about in between the notes of music. 

official website

itunes