There’s nothing better than a welcome back to Monmouth University than a new Blue Hawk Records (BHR) compilation album. “Vol. 25: Signature Edition” was released on Dec. 6, featuring seven original songs that ooze the personality of the artists behind them. I don’t want to pick favorites, but as a music aficionado, this album brought the nostalgia from classic artists like Carole King and The Beatles into the forefront of my mind. It seems to me that the artists of BHR are tapping into old generations of musical masterminds for inspiration, and it makes for one heck of a collection of songs this time around.
Kicking off the album is Nick Garrecht’s song “98 Degrees.” Which, in my opinion, is giving the most 2000s and early ‘90s beat possible. The pop-punk sound will have you absolutely jamming when Garrecht sings, “It started when you looked my way/Now I feel it every day/I’ve been hanging onto every word you say/Don’t walk away/Leave the rest to me.” Its simple yet clever lyrics only add to the warm feeling of the song, hitting home in the album’s overall nostalgia elements. The strong drum beats, electric guitar, and upbeat tempo remind me so much of Jimmy Eat World’s 2001 classic “The Middle.”
Slowing things down and changing up the vibe is “Swan Lake Song” by Hana McKinney. The song starts off with soft piano chords and a strumming guitar, almost leaving some element of suspense for where the song is taking us. The jazzy and acoustic sound reminds me of four-time Grammy award winner, Carole King and her album “Tapestry.” “Swan Lake Song” is quite sad in its lyrics but uptempo in its production, just like in many of King’s hits such as “It’s Too Late.” McKinney’s vocals are so smooth and rich that they carry the storyline of unrequited love beautifully.
Michael Anthony Rocks makes another appearance on a BHR creation this time around with his song, “The Talking Stage.” He was previously featured on the compilation album “Chapter XXIII,” with his song “Feelin’ It.” “ The Talking Stage” has an entirely different vibe from his last release, which I was pleasantly surprised at. It has elements of funk, R&B, and even some Hip Hop. I especially enjoyed the end, where Rocks showcases his vocal range and ability. Safe to say, I’d jam to this song over “Feelin’ It” any day of the week.
Who doesn’t love a poetic ballad? Marley Bell’s song “black and blue” has such a strong storytelling quality. Bell’s lyrics are so descriptive that they almost place you into a world of her own creation. My favorite lyrics are, “The floor mutters more/Than the breaths we held here/Tiptoeing around the glass/Of the shattered chandelier.” The way Bell phrases her descriptions and vivid detail really remind me of “Exile” by Taylor Swift featuring Bon Iver. They are super different, of course, but listen and hear me out. Bell’s creativity and descriptive songwriting, along with her angelic vocals, make her style uniquely her own.
The next artist on the compilation album is no stranger to being featured on BHR. Stevie 808 has been on four, including this latest release. You might know his other songs, “Corner Store,” “In My Head,” and “Way You Move.” While those songs are all great, “In Line,” which is featured on “Signature Edition,” is instantly engaging. There’s such a strong Hip Hop influence, but what I really like is the smaller nods to Funk and Pop. His voice reminds me of a mixture of The Kid LAROI and Post Malone in the best way possible. The chorus is probably my favorite part; he sings, “I need you by my side/You wanna wait for the night/I need you all my life/You left me out sight.” There’s no denying that Stevie 808 has the talent, a clear identity in his music, and a style made for the radio.
Now, because I’m a writer, journalist, and music lover, I tend to have very strong opinions. So, I can confidently say Emily Cassler’s “Empty Pages” is stunning. In true heartbreaking ballad fashion, it reminds me of Adele and even some early Sam Smith songs. The story of losing someone and having it pick up the “pages” is a tale as old as time. What’s even more valuable is how this song can be so sad, yet hopeful. There’s a strong element of healing and moving on even as Cassler’s vocals rip right through the listener. Her voice is so effortlessly beautiful as she sings, “You were the fire/I was the spark/You walked away and now it’s dark/Oh, how do I feel/Picking up pieces as I heal.” There’s something so incredible about being a songwriter who can make people feel connected. That’s what Cassler’s song did for me. The best kind of song is one that makes you feel and resonates. For my girls who love a sad girl ballad, this song is for us.
Closing out the album is Elijah Elias with “Save My Soul” which was entirely written and produced by Elias. “Save My Soul” currently sits at about 4,578 streams, making it the most listened-to song on the album. I was shocked from the first listen, and each time I hit replay, it got better and better. Elias’s inspiration being The Beatles definitely shows in his vocal style and production elements. From the piano to the drums, this song lives and breathes nostalgia from the ‘60s and ‘70s, obviously in the musical fashion of The Beatles. Elias sings, “Lost all control/Can the song inside me save my soul?/Nowhere to go/Can the song inside me save my soul?/There’s emptiness inside of me/So take my broken melody/Blindly I wrote/And the song inside me saves my soul.” This is the type of song that gets stuck in your head and is impossible to get out. You’ve been warned.
Expect more from this outstanding group of artists as they continue their journeys as singers and songwriters. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll be featured on another BHR album in the future, so keep an eye out. But if you love older music that’ll remind you of the classics, this album is worth the listen.
