Bryan Lanning, Idaho | Track Review 🎵

YouTube Personality and up-and-coming musician Bryan Lanning drops single “Idaho” from his highly anticipated debut album, Us.

Bryan Lanning represents a growing trend in the music industry – social networking and social media platforms fueling music careers. After releasing an EP in 2016 (Like a Lion), Lanning drops his independently released debut album, Us. Among pre-release singles from Us is “Idaho.”

“Idaho” features an archetypical opening.  Essentially, it’s indistinct, but not a rub against the record. That said, “Idaho” ends up featuring a middle-of-the-road pop/rock sound coupled with CCM. It isn’t a Christian music song, but feels inspirational and uplifting in tone. Considering the type of musician Lanning presents himself to be, the sound is fitting.

There is more energy on the refrain with the addition of driving synths. This energy is appreciated but doesn’t escape flaws, if modest ones. The sound on those synths is cheap, for lack of a better word, slightly diminishing the quality.  That isn’t to say the synths were literally cheap, but the sound isn’t as slick as it could’ve been. On the flipside, more importantly, Lanning delivers clear vocals. All in all, he has a beautiful tone – dude can sing.  The performance isn’t game changing, but his sincerity is unquestionable.

“Kings and queens of Idaho
We have nowhere else to go
This life is all we know
Kings and queens of Idaho
Bow to the royals.”

The chorus is catchy enough, even with the aforementioned “flawed” synths. The bridge attempts to build more intensity as bridges often do, but falls just short (not much). Once again, the production inhibits.  The ideas deserve an “A” (or a “B” in the least), but the execution isn’t quite at the same level.

Final Thoughts

“Idaho” is sincere, coming from a respectable place from the up-and-coming musician.  Even so, it has its share of flaws, particular the production.  Nonetheless, Lanning has a pleasant voice and the potential is there without question.

Bryan Lanning • Us • Bryan Lanning • Release: 1.20.17

Photo Credit: Bryan Lanning