Album Reviews

Album Reviews: OK Now by Jon McLaughlin

In a world of American Idols and pretentious pop princesses, the rising star of Jon McLaughlin brings a breath of fresh air and artistic honesty to the adult mainstream scene. The combination of McLaughlin's Midwestern, down-to-earth aesthetic and his bright, hook-filled songwriting style makes much of OK Now one of those albums that could soundtrack any number of life's heartfelt moments.

It's on piano-driven pop-rockers like "Always On My Mind" and the anthem to your favorite high school memories, "Four Years," where the singer shines his brightest. Coming-of-age ballad, "The Middle" shows Jon's knack for penning a moving tune, while the richly layered vocals of "We All Need Saving" put his golden throat on a pedestal. Stepping outside the box a bit for his second full-length, the '80s new wave/cheese rock of "Dance Your Life Away" and "You Can Never Go Back" as well the soulless attempt at the blues, "Why I’m Talking To You," fail to coast into the ears as smoothly as the rest of the album does. Kudos to McLaughlin for throwing a handful of dynamics into the overall feel of the album though, but his more emotional offerings prove to be the most enjoyable.

—Ryan Ogle
10.29.08