After having a tough month of August because of a brutal attack he was issued in the streets of New York City, singer/ songwriter Gavin DeGraw really needed a pick me up; it came in the form of his new album Sweeter. Sweeter is DeGraw’s fourth studio album, and according to an interview from the Montreal Gazette with DeGraw, he says that it is his best work yet!
Sweeter is fairly short in length, and is only compiled of ten songs, but has a good mixture of upbeat positive songs, and slower songs with a deeper meaning. My personal favorite is the song “Radiation” which is one of the more upbeat and soulful tracks on the album, made up of catchy lyrics and great musical accompaniment! “Radiation” is about not being able to completely get over someone no matter how much you want to, and on the track, DeGraw passionately says “This is your goodbye and kiss opportunity, thought you were burning me down, but I’m finally free.” The rest of the lyrics of “Radiation” are equally as heartfelt, and the meaning behind them can clearly be heard in DeGraw’s voice! This track has many remnants and reminders of his all time most successful track “I Don’t Wanna Be”, and is bound to grow to similar success. Although similar, the sound of this track has many differences, and in the same interview from the Gazette, DeGraw noted that “Radiation” ‘displayed a more raw sound than his work on previous albums’.
Junior Laurel Kamosa enthusiastically remarked that her favorite song from Sweeter was the track “Not Over You”. When speaking of the meaning of this song, in an interview from ArtistDirect.com, DeGraw says, “The song really rides that fine line between being vulnerable and at the same time being prideful. So you’re saying if I was to bump into you, I would not admit that I’ve not been able to get over you…” Very characteristic to the feelings that men often like to portray after breakups, “Not Over You” adds to the masculine nature that has been remarked on by critics of Sweeter. Unlike many of Gavin’s other songs, “Not Over You” was not a solo project, but instead was partially written by Ryan Tedder, the lead singer of the band OneRepublic. This fact is one that not many fans and know, but is one that allowed the song “Not Over You” to really come to life, and the styles of Tedder and DeGraw to mix flawlessly!
Finally, the title track of the album, “Sweeter”, is one that is also worthy of recognition, and is the favorite of enthusiastic Gavin DeGraw fan and senior Connor Downes! “Sweeter” begins with a rockin’ guitar beat which sets the pace and mood for the duration of the song. Although in this song, DeGraw is singing specifically about taking another guy’s girl, the song is relatable to anyone who has ever wanted something that they can’t have; that is most everyone!
Overall, I would give DeGraw’s Sweeter an eight point five out of ten. A few of the songs were disappointing in accordance with the high standards that I set for DeGraw, but overall he lived up to my expectations and produced many catchy songs that can be great for whatever mood you’re in! Check out Sweeter sometime soon!