taylor rain - heavy rain EP

Taylor Rain

Heavy Rain EP
self-released; 2013

3.5 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

Taylor Skelton is the lead singer/guitar player for rock band Whisky Jack.  Wanting to diversify he was interested in starting his solo career that would lend itself to softer rock music. What has come of this venture is Heavy Rain,  which is a straightforward record that wants to appeal to a wide audience. The songs sound like something you would hear on mainstream radio. Even though I would have liked to hear more experimentation Skelton does realize what he is doing. The songs are filled with great production and although there are certain clichés in the songwriting I didn’t mind most of the time. Sorta like how when you first heard "Girls" you were like, well I heard this before but that's ok.

The album’s opener as Skelton says is a metaphor to convey the feelings of not being in control; of having something slip through your fingers – realizing what is happening, still doing it, and the inevitable outcome.” It’s one of the better songs on the album and within the first minute you will know if this is up your alley or not. “Shirt Off My Back” is a fun ditty that, while it was a straightforward song, had great production and solid songwriting. I actually enjoyed the most sparse song on the album the best. “The Angel’s Ball” is a nice closer with the acoustic guitar and voice that I am always a sucker for. While this album will appeal more to the mainstream crowd, there is little doubt that Skelton writes personal, introspective songs that are sung from his heart.

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