Search - Ryan Star :: 11:59

Ryan will soon be a star

Greg | Houston, TX | 08/05/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've been following Ryan since 2003 when I saw his band Stage as an opening act. I bought their self-titled album and fell completely in love with it, I highly recommend picking it up. Unfortunately, Stage broke up but it lead to Ryan becoming one of the final contestants on the show Rockstar Supernova. He then released his first solo album, "Songs From The Eye Of An Elephant," which was a beautiful collection of 20 songs. The album was mostly nothing more than Ryan's voice and a piano, as he wanted to digress from his rock sound and get back to the way his songs sound when they're first written.



After hearing about 11:59 for over 2 years on Ryan's website and MySpace page, the album has finally been released, though a handful of these songs have been heard in media for quite some time now. This very under-rated artist has once again picked up the electric guitar, but instead of following in the footsteps of his idols (Live, Pearl Jam), these songs are more pop-rock driven. The good thing about this album is that it shows Ryan's variety as a folk singer, a rock star, and now a pop star. The big single is Breathe, an extremely uplifting tune that has the potential to be a big radio anthem. Last Train Home is another gem on the album, it's a U2-style power ballad that you may have heard in the film P.S. I Love You. Another favorite of mine is Brand New Day, a very catchy tune that serves as the theme to TV's Lie To Me. It uses more electronics and showcases Ryan's awesome voice. Right Now was released as a video over a year ago, it's a pretty good song but I admit that I was initially thrown off by the "go-go-go" chants from the cheerleaders. I dare you to listen to Start A Fire without at least tapping your foot or nodding your head, it's way too catchy and it's one of the best blends of rock and pop music that I've ever heard. This Could Be The Year has been heard on WWE's Survivor Series, and while I enjoy it, it's not the strongest song on here. Unbreak is another rockin' sing-a-long, and 11:59 is a mellow yet upbeat closing to the album. The album also features 2 songs that previously appeared on Ryan's last album; We Might Fall and Losing Your Memory. These songs are incredibly beautiful and moving, but I have to say I strongly prefer the original versions.



Ryan seemed both angrier and sadder with Stage and on his first solo effort, but this time around he seems to be in much brighter spirits. I think I'll always prefer Ryan's last 2 albums since they've become so special to me over the years, but this is still a very solid effort. My only real complaints is that I wish he hadn't re-recorded those 2 songs, and I wish there were more than 10 tracks on here. If you're a fan of Lifehouse, Daughtry, or U2, then I'm certain you'll enjoy this album. Purchase a copy and give this guy the support he deserves!"