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Opening track Best I Ever Had sees Gavin Degraw give an indication to the slightly different direction he is taking since his last album Sweeter, released two years ago.
He’s always had a talent for writing catchy, relatable songs, and this track is no exception; it shows a fun side of the artist.
Gavin’s songs as a rule are usually slower in tempo and this is the fastest paced track he’s ever recorded.
Need and title track Make A Move are also pop songs with inspired lyrics and production. The chorus in Need is both uplifting and haunting as it increases intensity.
Heartbreak, another catchy pop song with a dusting of Gavin’s trademark blue-eyed soul, is a stand-out.
A great beat and chorus, with insightful lyrics and observations regarding how heartbreak ‘isn’t what it used to be, now it’s a bed time story, not a tragedy’ is sure to make you think, whilst bopping your head simultaneously.
A Gavin Degraw album wouldn’t be that without a couple of beautiful ballads, and he absolutely delivers. Who’s Gonna Save Us, another single, showcases Gavin’s flawless vocals, and is sure to be a hit with fans.
Everything Will Change and I’m Gonna Try, are ballads in essence, but with a bluesy/rock edge which go down very smoothly.
Leading Man, Every Little Bit and Different for Girls are much jazzier than the rest – and love them or hate them, they are just as snappy and distinguished, providing a welcome change of style and adding even more diversity to the album.
Gavin has, in recent years, struggled to match the success of his first album Chariot, when he stormed onto the scene ten years ago with hit single I Don’t Want To Be(the theme to The WB’s One Tree Hill).
His subsequent albums, Free, Gavin Degraw and Sweeter have all had carried a couple of impressive tracks and singles, but even though Gavin has built a steady career with a loyal following, the albums have seemed slightly underdeveloped – until now.
Make a Move, Gavin’s fifth studio album, is an absolute triumph and a must-buy for any Degraw fan – he is truly back on form.
The album is a twist on his usual style, but still very familiar and every track is easily recognisable as one of his songs.
Working with various co-writers has truly enhanced the style and freshness after his earlier albums writing alone; thus allowing Gavin to mix things up whilst managing to retain his heart and essence, which, in short, is genius.