Reviewed by Juan Zambrano
Seth Anderson’s latest album, We Could Be, is an emotional, folk-rock infused reflection in the face of great personal loss for the artist.
The heart of We Could Be lies in its lyrics. Pensive and open, Anderson lays his struggles bare in every word of every song, even if it’s not always clear on first listen. Tracks like the opener, Drive Alone see Anderson dealing in denial, while the likes of Take Away the Sad and My One Belief question whether things that previously meant so much, are worth caring about in the long run.
Even with these uncertainties, one thing is clear throughout We Could Be. No matter how bad things may seem, Anderson’s drive to keep going is stronger than ever. This is best demonstrated in the album’s lead single Highway Lights, with the chant “Take me now I just wanna live.” A lyric which perfectly encapsulates this album’s central message.
The lyrics may be the heart of We Could Be, but it’s the music that keeps that heart beating. A lively combination of acoustic and electric guitars, as well as powerful drums, make We Could Be feel like a musical road trip. The key to this feel is the drums, which echo the traveling rhythms heard on classics like Paul Simon’s Graceland and Bruce Springsteen’s Working on The Highway.
Anderson also knows when to let the arrangements breathe. The mostly acoustic second cut Finding Bliss, is perhaps the best example. It not only gives the sense of a casual drive through nature; it also lends full emotional focus to the lyrics. A summarization of a final letter for Anderson, from his father.
The most crucial element to the album’s emotional impact, however, is Anderson’s vocal performance. Wrought with passion, Anderson delivers every phrase like a man who won’t back down, even when life gives him every reason to do so. This passion combined with reflective lyrics and lively compositions, create a deeply personal record. One that will leave the listener rocking out, feeling emotional and reflecting on life by the end.
