Alan Chapell makes story-telling in music an art. In fact, each song on this talented musician’s EP Soul Man sounds like a little piece of artwork that you’d want to hang on your wall. It’s no surprise that Chapell has been making music since he was young. His immense talent obviously comes from years of honing his craft.
Chapell’s original goal was to be a musical success by 25 and then retire from music to an ordinary life. That was what he thought you were supposed to do. Luckily for us, according to his bio, he made it to 30 and started looking back and realized he was wrong. If he wouldn’t have the world would be missing out on some wonderful music.
Soul Man is a chance to listen to four story-filled love songs that will warm your heart from the first note. Even more than the lyrics themselves, these songs harbor so much beautiful instrumentation that you’ll feel like you got every penny worth when you buy any music from Chapell. Not only is he amazing, but he is also backed by some talented musicians that are just as inspiring.
The title track begins so calmly that you just ease into the song. It has a beat that lends to this slowness, and you feel the heartbreaking sense that this song is emitting. Chapell’s vocals work with the slow repetition of the shaker keeping beat to mesmerize you.
With a peppier beat, “My Baby Loves Me Now”, swoops in and picks things up. It’s not an over the top song, still having a mellow feel. It’s a song that will make you fall in love. The instruments give it such a light and airy feel, like walking on air and enjoying a stroll in the spring with your love.
“Watercolors” is delightful and loving and the piano music accompanying this one really stands out. The title is so fitting to this song, not just because it fits the lyrics, but also because this song sounds like a beautiful, delicate work of art.
“She’s On Fire” has the biggest beat of the songs on this EP. It’s a fun song that almost makes you want to get up and move. It has a seriously 80s pop sound.
With some of the best songwriting to come out in awhile and an accompanying band of musicians that are masters at their craft, this album deserves no less than six out of five stars.
Visit http://thisischapell.com/ to learn more about the talented musician.
