Review: Andrew Ripp “She Remains The Same”

Chicago singer/songwriter Andrew Ripp returns with his sophomore set, “She Remains The Same”, which follows his impressive debut record, “Fifty Miles To Chicago” (reviewed here). Also returning is that soulful rock and pop voice, sounding like a cross between David Mead and Jason Mraz.

Ripp sounds a little rougher and tougher on this outing, largely due to the raw rock edge coating several of the songs. The talented vocalist is well suited to this terrain and it hasn’t diminished his capacity to shine on ballads as well. “She Remains The Same” gets off to a fiery start with gritty rockers like “Growing Old Too Young” and “Savior”. Lead off track “Growing Old Too Young” is my instant favorite, encapsulating Ripp’s full potential and hitting all the radio-friendly buttons. “Star” is another likeable tune that I can imagine getting lots of airplay. The middle of the record, however, is weighted down with many slower, sleepy tunes. Bunched together like this, it makes going through the center a bit cumbersome. The exception is “Rider”, a murky and haunting song that has an enticing melody in the chorus that is well sung. The grit comes back in “When The Deal Goes Down”, but the choppy arrangement was a deal-breaker for me. “A Reason To Breathe” resuscitates the record briefly, but I did not enjoy much of anything else until the closing track. “Forever After Love” is a bare bones acoustic piece that lets Ripp’s vocals shine through – a tender song, beautifully sung.

“She Remains The Same” is a strong record, but doesn’t reach the high bar set by Ripp’s remarkable debut. Great performances, quality lyrics, but generally unexciting songs.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 6, 8, 11

Andrew Ripp on MySpace. Official site.

Check out a video for “You Will Find Me”:

Free mp3: Andrew Ripp "Blue Sky Christmas Eve"

Happy Holidays from Andrew Ripp (see our review of his latest record here):

In the giving spirit of the holidays Andrew Ripp recorded and is giving away a new song he wrote specifically for this time of year. It's never too early to start in with the Holiday festivities. The malls and retailers throw the decorations up at 12:01 on Halloween so we thought mid-November makes us slightly less than obnoxious! It's really fun and upbeat.......and is not too syrupy sweet which is a refreshing change from most Holiday themed tracks!

Blue Sky Christmas Eve (MP3): http://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/z7fka6

More Holiday Tunes from Andrew: https://www.noisetrade.com/andrewripp

Review: Andrew Ripp "Fifty Miles To Chicago"

"Fifty Miles To Chicago" is the debut record from - surprise - Chicago's singer/songwriter Andrew Ripp. Ripp has recruited a fine assortment of established musicians to "create an organic album reminiscent of those made in the 70s and by artists like Otis Redding, Bob Dylan, and Hank Williams". These were not the artists that came to mind as I listened to "Fifty Miles To Chicago", but there is a palpable spirit of getting down to basics so that the purity of the music and vocal can shine. Some of the notable guests on this record include producer Dan Lavery (former bass player for Tonic) and musicians Pete Maloney (Dishwalla, Tonic), keyboard player Will Hollis (Eagles), and steel guitar player Eric Heywood (Ray LaMontagne).

Andrew Ripp delivers the best of both worlds on "Fifty Miles To Chicago"; his voice is soulful and emotive, fluctuating between grit and tenderness as demanded by the lyrics, and providing perfect accompaniment whether his tune is bright and poppy or slow and sober. Things kick off with my favorite track of the bunch, the infectious and groovy "Get Your Smile On". It is hard not to do so against the backdrop of this hip, Jason Mraz style romp. Other songs, such as "Just Another Song About California" or "On My Way", feature a subtle country flavor, bordering on Jayhawks turf. You will also hear something akin to Gavin DeGraw in his more piano driven pieces, including "Tim's Song" and "The Privileged Life". Ripp sounds like a nephew of Joe Cocker on the amazing "But You Saved My Life", and then gears down for the spine-tingling closer, "Dresden Wine". This ballad builds softly with mesmerizing piano, climbing slow and sure to a dazzling climax that should leave you speechless.

If you like Ray LaMontagne, Gomez, John Mayer, then you are surely doing to dig Andrew Ripp. This guy has some serious talent and doesn't waste it on hookless, bland tunes.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11

Andrew Ripp on MySpace. "Get Ripp'd" here.