A relatively unknown musical artist, Ray Goren, is trying to make a name for himself in the pop scene with the recent release of his EP.
The 15-year-old singer-songwriter released his five-song EP in late August. On the EP, “Songs for You,” influence 0f R&B, funk, soul, and pop artists artists are evident.
Although he is young, Goren has already worked with popular and successful artists such as Robby Krieger, Eddie Kramer and Steve Jordan– an award winning artist who produced Goren’s EP.
Goren’s single “Those Days” is an upbeat piece, incorporating sounds reminiscent of 60’s soul as well as a distinctly gospel and funk sound. Despite the older influences on his music, Goren adds a modern pop twist to his pieces; whether or not it works in his favor is debatable.
Due to the overall mediocrity of his music, the listener is left with a certain apathy after listening to Goren’s music. None of the songs contain a deeper emotional range. Even some of his more sentimental songs on the EP such as “Down & Out” and “It’s on You,” simply seem to go through the motions of the instruments.
Goren’s songs also lacks appealing lyrics, often relying on tiresome repetition to carry the music through the few minutes that it lasts. Lyrics such as “One day it’s hot and one day it’s cold/ Just make up your mind ‘cause it’s getting old” from “Down & Out” do not aid the musicality of his songs.
The fourth song on the EP, “Song for Me,” is a prime example of how repetition mixed with a funky, twangy guitar can ruin a song. After hearing the guitar hook for the nth time only a minute into the song, the listener has already lost interest.
Finally, Goren’s own voice is not something that stands out particularly on “Songs for You.” If anything, his talent lies in playing the guitar and piano, which he does on the EP. However, his ability to write music is another matter entirely.
The Hilights
Rating: 1.5
Album Title: Songs for You
Release date: 8/21/15
Cost: $5.99
Download: iTunes