Greyson Chance, Somewhere Over My Head | Album Review 💿

Greyson Chance embraces the bag of pop tricks on, Somewhere Over My Head, including slick production, infusing urban cues, and profanity.

So what can one expect of ‘grown up’ Greyson Chance? “HOLD UP!” Who is Greyson Chance? Chance was signed to Ellen DeGeneres’ record label as a youngster, back in 2010, releasing an album Hold On ‘Til the Night in 2011. How did Ellen find out about him? Well, a video of Chance covering Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi”. Back then Chance had a different sounding voice than he does currently. That’s puberty/adolescence for you.

“Afterlife”

Now the 18-year old musician (nearly 19) embraces modern pop’s ‘bag of tricks.’ That bag of tricks incorporates slick production, the infusion of urban music, and a dash of profanity on Somewhere Over My Head. Hey, he’s a grown man! “Afterlife” kicks off Somewhere Over My Head soundly by all means. Well written, well produced, and well sung by Chance, “Afterlife” definitely seems like a great move towards maturity and adulthood for Chance. “Afterlife” doesn’t reinvent the wheel nor come over as transformative pop by any means, but it shows a singer with a more robust voice highlighted by the sick falsetto.

“Hit & Run” is the best example that Chance is aiming for folks beyond their tweens.  “Now I’m all alone / And I ain’t got no one to call home baby,” He sings on the chorus. He continues: “Is this what I want? / An empty bed with my shit so crazy.” Essentially, Chance seems torn between hook-ups (“hit and run”) and legitimate relationships. For anyone who is a millennial, or a pop star like Chance, hookups, real relationships, or merely embracing being single are all legitimate facets of ‘millennialism.’

“No Fear”

“No Fear” drops the f-bomb:

“You ain’t got the right, baby comin’ round here
But you came around, came around here
Never saw the world so fucking clear
Until you came around, came around here.”

Additionally, “No Fear” has that contemporary swagger, exemplified through its rhythmic delivery, repeated lyrics, and generally the way Chance sings it. Closing number “More Than Me” shows off the sheer beauty of Chance’s voice, particularly bearing a newfound huskiness that comes with maturation. Title track “Somewhere Over My Head” is embedded within the closer. The only nitpick? – Why not just release it as the sixth track Greyson?

Final Thoughts

How does Somewhere Over My Head stack up? Chance’s new EP clearly shows an artist with a boatload of potential. Chance seems to have the whole package – looks, voice, and a respectable personality. The more personality he can infuse – particularly notable when his voice cracks or he nails the falsetto – the more electrifying he can become artistically. Somewhere Over My Head, for 20 minutes worth of music, is a fine restart.

Gems: “Afterlife,” “Back on the Wall” & “Hit & Run”

🎙 Greyson Chance • 💿 Somewhere Over My Head • 🗓 5.13.16

[📷 : Greyson Chance Music]