When a musical style falls outside the narrow confines of rock, rap, or country, it used to be called "alternative." As in, the alternative to rock, rap, or country. Then, hilariously, the term "alternative" became commodified, and mainstream music really hasn't offered us much of a true alternative since then. These days, a sounds that can't be easily labeled may eventually fall into the vague description of "eclectic," which tells you nothing about style, and sadly calls to mind not creativity but peculiarity- like owning 27 cats. Fortunately, someone else once said that there are only two kinds of music: Good and Bad. Using this simplified guide, I can confidently call "Chris Glover"'s new CD Hell Isn't Even That Funny only good. By plan, the tracks on "Hell" are not quite like anything you're hearing on the radio today. "Chris Glover" says that he set out to make the music that he wished was being played on the radio today- producing a mix of sounds that are familiar to today's radio listener but in a style and combination that blurs the lines between mainstream musical categories. And the shortest, simplest explanation of the result is that it's good.
A more confused and complicated definition, in terms of the most readily available examples would be that the Glover sound builds on beats and rhythm with a rap sensibility, makes use of samples and hooks with a small nod towards club music, and lays a layer of pop shine and melodies across the resulting structure. Glover's lyrical message is generally one of hope, spirituality, and a call for change. Whew! It's enough to make you want to call it eclectic. Just think G-Love with a much broader range of influence.
Hell Isn't Even That Funny begins with 'Stand On Your Seat,' one of the most radio friendly tracks on the CD, and one that perfectly sets a pleasant mood of expectation for the rest of the album. The following track, 'Pinocchio,' introduces the listener to a more focused rap style which, in turn, gives way to the more heavily dance influenced 'Never So Far Away.' By the end of the fourth track, 'Holy Moses,' which naturally follows a more spiritual bent, the listener has seen the extent of the range to be expected. Despite the wide range of influences, there is a common underpinning that brings a healthy cohesiveness to the entire album, one that makes an uninterrupted listening a pleasant experience.
While Hell Isn't Even That Funny may be difficult to put into a category, it is easy to listen to and enjoy. "Chris Glover"'s effort here has produced a well crafted work that should appeal to listeners from a wide range of musical tastes.
