2013 may have just began, but I didn't have to wait long to discover what is no doubt one of the best albums I have ever heard. Period.
A Grammy nominee (2011's exquisite "The Next Right Thing"), young 24 year old Seth Glier has already honed his gift for songwriting more than most do in an entire career. Often compared to the likes of Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen, Seth Glier's style can be considered a unique blend of piano-pop, folk, and rock , but these songs do more than just cross genres; "Things I Should Let You Know" plays from top to bottom brilliantly as a COMPLETE album - No fillers here (although I do admit I find myself skipping "Down To The Wire", it is by no means a bad track). Seth has a true gift for constructing brilliantly sophisticated pop music - an art that continues to be disappearing more and more every day amongst our currently saturated "bubblegum-pop turning EDM" radio. "Things I Should Let You Know" is filled with songs that not only could be playing on radio stations everywhere, but should be. Tracks like the country tinged "Avery" and the hook laden "Man I Used To Be" are more than radio ready. "Poppies On The Table" is also a stand-out track as well as a fan favorite, with its unique structure, sweeping chorus, and driving tempo. Also standouts are "Everything Beautiful" and "Good Man" - two achingly intimate acoustic tracks.
Although a plethora of tracks deal with love, relationships, and self-reflection, Seth certainly isn't afraid to treck into heavier political themes, as shown on the incredibly poignant and touching Woody Guthrie inspired tune "Plastic Soldiers", as well as on the anthematic "Stars & Glitter".
But the highlight track for me has to go to "Too Hard To Hold The Moon", a chilling piano ballad that talks about the story of Seth's mother standing by his father through his battle with alcoholism. The vulnerability Seth displays on this track, in both the vocal performance and the lyrical content, are a rare gem to experience as a listener.
"Things I Should Let You Know" shows a maturity not only beyond Seth Glier's 24 years of age, but beyond most songwriters of any age. Regardless of where this album takes him, you'll be hearing more big things about Seth Glier sooner than later...
