“Sundress”
from the album Ben Kweller
2006
iTunes
Ben Kweller’s self-titled third album certainly earns its name, with Kweller playing all the instruments this time around. It also marks his first album without esteemed producer Ethan Johns, who had produced both of his previous efforts; working instead with British producer Gil Norton (best known for his work with Gomez and Foo Fighters). The change has Kweller trading in the raw rugged folk sounds of previous albums for a more refined sound, but somehow Kweller sounds more at home in his shiny new digs; crafting an album full of pop oriented rock ‘n’ roll gems.
The entire album recalls the big glorious rock sounds of the ’80s, when giants like Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty ruled the airwaves. The same feel good melodic folk rock that made them so refreshing run rampant on Kweller’s third effort. Kweller has no interest in aping the classics, despite the distinct taste of Petty that permeates through the breezy “Sundress.“ The melancholy song finds Kweller expressing his willingness to keep up with his lover’s changing desires with the sweet “I do, anything you want me to” hook; further explaining, “And from the inside-out you’ve changed girl/ You know you have, don’t make a good thing bad.”
The overwhelming sweet innocence in Kweller’s songwriting combined with his brilliantly catchy melodies turns each song into a bouquet of wildflowers. Right from the start of the jangling acoustic folk rocker “Run,” Kweller’s wide-eyed exuberance pulls you in as he looks at his life on the road, and explaining that it would all be better with his wife by his side. Most directly about his relationship with his wife is the gorgeously memorable “Thirteen.” With only a piano and some verses, Kweller tenderly recounts the highs and lows over the years with his childhood sweetheart; leaving a mark without the benefit of a hook. Kweller’s rich picturesque lyrics on the song leave listeners wanting more when he abruptly finishes with, “It was in the back of a taxi/ When you told me you loved me, and I wasn’t alone.”.
The piano chugging rock ‘n’ roll number, “Penny on a Train Track” is an uplifting and cathartic listen, where Kweller runs into an old high-school friend who makes him realize that he is a “grown-up” now. The simultaneous nervousness and excitement of the moment plays out beautifully. Capturing both the elation of falling in love and the freewheeling fun of 80s power pop, “Magic” is perhaps the most instantly catchy tune on the album. The punchy “She’s magic” hook, describing his lover’s incredible charms over him, works wonders against the nostalgic backdrop. Following the soft piano ballad “Until I Die,” the rollicking “This is War” closes the set as the loudest. Sounding like a mash-up of the Raconteurs and the Beatles, “War” is a lively and powerful taught 2:30 rocker.
Ben Kweller is easily the most consistent and rewarding album from the budding rock superstar. Gone are the annoying inconsistent moments on his younger efforts, leaving a tight rock album with enough melody and pop sensibility to make his third album a career defining treasure. Completely devoid of any missteps or minor stumbles, at the young age of twenty-five, Kweller sounds like he has found his groove. Ben Kweller is a breezy, poppy, and ultimately refreshing listen not to miss.