Stephen Rothkopf - STEPHEN ROTHKOPF

Stephen Rothkopf

Stephen Rothkopf
self-released; 2014

3.7 out of 5

By Eva Cantillo

Stephen Rothkopf’s music is soulful, at times poppy and carries an affluent air of jazz. The classically trained musician is from Indiana and has recently moved to LA where the young songwriter is growing his newly launched career. This collection of songs entitled Stephen Rothkopf is a direct result of that.

The first song titled “Addiction,” weirdly reminds me of the Britney Spear’s song “Toxic,” and perhaps some other song I’ve heard in my life about being wrapped up in addictive love. Yet while subconsciously seeming like a cover song, Rothkopf’s original has its own unique flavor that just might be “nicotine and alcohol, baby you’re my Adderall … because you got it all.” Rothkopf’s voice in this song is very pleasing; he shows countless variations in tone and style, which result in an entertaining listen.

The following song “The Single Life (What I Like)” is a sweet ballad quite simply about being single and “free.” The song is super carefree and carries a positive air, “cuz I’m over you, and I really feel nothing… I’m beginning to find the single life.” This song seems to touch on all the aspects of a breakup, “I’m not bitter… I just know there’s something better.”

Then on the other hand, the song titled “Everything Reminds Me Of Her,” attacks a breakup from another and more sentimental point of view. The chorus “there is always something better” shows the acceptance of the closing of the relationship, but the entire song is a beautiful and perhaps therapeutic way to forget by remembering all the little things like, “coffee beans, tangerines, towels on the floor…”

Rothkopf showcases his skills as a singer-songwriter in this release. Each song has its own beautiful flare and unique sentiment to it. He is quite the charmer and his voice matches the demeanor. Quality of sound is good and anyone into soulful singing music will enjoy this album.

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