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3 out of 5 stars

Aaron Carter, LøVë © SonyAaron Carter returns with “Sooner or Later,” a single from his forthcoming EP, LøVë. 

The last time we heard from Aaron Carter musically was in 2002.  In 2002, Carter dropped his fourth studio album, Another Earthquake.  Since then, music hasn’t been associated with the former teen-pop heartthrob, until the arrival of new single, “Sooner or Later.” “Sooner or Later” serves as the promo single for the artist’s forthcoming EP, LøVë, due February 10, 2017.

Cutting straight to the chase, “Sooner or Later” is filled with clichés.  Among those clichés is the modern bag of pop tricks. Those tricks include a palette of electronic-urban production work (effects, etc.). Ultimately, production dominates this record.  There’s more sound than legitimate or meaningful songwriting. Given an extended hiatus by Carter, the focus on sound, as opposed to substance, is an instance of “purpose by design.” Vocally, Carter sounds respectable. Throughout the course of the song, the vocals are quick, rhythmic, and filled with swagger.  While Carter’s vocals are clear and the vocal production is top-notch surrounding those vocals, the performance isn’t a crowning achievement. Respectfully speaking, few are going to characterize Carter as the ‘second coming’ vocally.


Final Thoughts

Ultimately, “Sooner or Later” is okay at best.  The return of Carter will only faze those aware of his impact on pop culture in the late 90s and early 00s.  The song itself isn’t memorable, but benefits from a conformist pop sound.  Good enough, but “nothing to write home about.”

3 out of 5 stars


Aaron Carter • LøVë • Sony • Release: 2.10.17
Photo Credit: Sony

 


the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.