Bobby's Place - Singer/Songwriter - Nashville, Tennessee

Bobby's Place

Review : Bobby Milford - The MP3 Songs

Singer/songwriter Bobby Milford has released an album on MP3.com. While many of the artists on that site could be considered amateur and talent less, Bobby Milford is a diamond in the rough. Backed by a cast of unknown, yet stellar studio musicians, the eponymous debut is extremely impressive. His collection of pop/rock love songs starts out strong and just keeps getting stronger. The opening track, "Primitive Love," is pure, upbeat pop at its finest. The infectious chorus and toe-tapping bass line is further enhanced by a chunky electric guitar riff and Milford's aggressive tenor. The lyrics are about as unpredictable as a love song can be, with such phrases as "...back before Adam was tempted, passion and desire were the two main senses." Certainly not your typical love song. What follows is the weakest song on the album, a guitar ballad titled "And Kiss You...." The verses are strong but the chorus doesn't take off as the listener might hope after the promising opening. Still, it is formidable although the title is repeated far too many times towards the end. Next up is "Forbidden," a majestic, bittersweet power ballad that will leave the listener emotionally drained.

Its symphonic guitar intro gives way to soaring vocals and accompanying lyrics about a torn relationship. This track is top-notch. The fourth track is arguably an even better ballad. "Can I Hold You" is a sentimental piano ballad with a mesmerizing chorus that could part the most violent current on the seas of love. The midpoint of the album features the inspiring "Ethereal," which finds Milford commenting on the love and hate throughout modern society. "Sailor's Song (Moon Madness)" is both seductive and mysterious. The splendid tune grips the listener right from the stirring opening which sports a collage of ocean sounds. Milford sings "...Moon mistress, you take me away from your earthly daughter" which is delivered with the most earnest of vocals. Despite the slightly muddy mix, "If I'd Only Known" has an up tempo groove that is very Toto-esque. The following track, "Running On Empty," finds Milford expressing the pain of dreams almost realized. The delivery is heartfelt and strong. The remaining two tracks close the album extremely well. "Nobody But You" is too catchy to not be on radio. On the chorus Milford is accompanied by background singers who provide the kind of soulful hook the Pointer Sisters were known for. After a couple of listens, you'll be humming the song for hours. The tenth and final track, "Tearing Us Apart," finds Milford's powerhouse vocals even more potent in a live setting. The accompanying piano melody is reminiscent of classic Eric Carmen. With such shear emotion, it's hard not to hit the repeat button. Milford shows throughout that he not only has great pipes, but an uncanny knack for melody. Radio is in dire need of a pop craftsman of Milford's magnitude. For an artist without record company backing, this is as good as it gets.

-Ryan
MusicMayer@aol.com