“Black Boots”
from the album One of Us
2009
iTunes
Dan Keyes wants you to dance your ass off. At least that’s what his new release as Young Love, One of Us, will have you doing. At this point, I’m unwilling to relegate this album to any certain genre because when it comes down to it, Young Love just makes “shake your booty” music. No, it isn’t crunk — but Young Love manages to borrow from a little of everything. You’ll hear Prince-style guitar riffs, bass-lines straight out a Chic album, and Timbaland-esque drum breaks mixed with some angular, classic-rock radio friendly guitar riffs.
While the album is pretty much a solid win, it does have highlights. “Get Me Up” is a jam straight out of the Minneapolis funk scene with some fluttering falsetto vocals and a crowd-rousing chorus. The lead single, “Black Boots,“ is arena ready with reverb-ed out guitars and some infectiously addictive hooks that will replace any crack habit with just one listen (although I dare you to just listen to it once).
When I said the album is pretty much golden, I meant just that. There is one detriment to One of Us as a whole and of course, it’s the ballad, “Down on Me.” It’s heartfelt and honest, but when you get a party bumpin’ like Young Love has for the past five tracks of the record, the last thing you want him to do is slow it down. Luckily, the album picks up again and refuses to step back into ballad-territory again.
For all of you listeners out there with a sweet tooth (or ear), Young Love’s penchant for sugar coated hooks and soaring riffage, One of Us is sure to be a mainstay in your MP3 player of choice for the summer. Just make sure you’re ready to lose some calories from all the rump shaking.