Rob Lea shows a wide range of quality songwriting across his eponymous debut album, ranging from theatrical rock heights to sincere piano and orchestral-led balladry. Lea’s debut album has already achieved ample chart success since its September 20th release, hitting #8 on the Official Independent Breakers Chart. Lea initially began his career as a Freddie Mercury tribute artist — performing with Queen tribute band Majesty — and has since launched a solo, DIY career with consistently memorable songwriting and production, on full display here.
Opening the album, “Time Of My Life” is a triumphant success that revels in making the most of one’s life. Twinkling synths and bursting guitars complement an ardent vocal presence. “I promise you I plan to have the time of my life, right before I die,” they dazzle during the central chorus, celebrating laughter, emotions, and all-out revelry with a carpe-diem mentality. “Big Bad Bear” follows with a harder-rocking vigor; “you’ve been caught by the big bad bear!” husky vocals caution as blistering guitars accelerate. The emotively bright “Time Of My Life” and attitude-filled rock of “Big Bad Bear” kick off the album with a dynamic, strong one-two punch.
An eclectic pop-forward flair thrills on “Not The One,” where lush acoustics and bubbly momentum build into an impassioned dose of distorted guitars and anthemic vocals. “I’m not the one, you’re not the one,” they let out, stirring in the contrast between soulful vocal yearning — “I don’t wanna lose you,” — and the erupting hook that follows. Conversely, a debonair rock pulse enamors on “High,” where feelings of “walking around in the same old haze,” ascends into a cathartic “I’ll get high,” refrain and buzzing synth-rock atmospherics. Some captivating vocal infusions reflect with particularly melodic effect, further bolstering a replay-inducing album standout.
A bluesy, suave quality emanates on the infectious “Freak,” with halted vocals leading into a title-touting hook that spans from funky intrigue to heavy guitar propulsions; it’s another excellent production with diverse appeal, strutting Lea’s talents to seamlessly shift between laid-back introspection and delightfully raucous rock.
The ensuing “My Girl” embraces the rock spectrum even fuller, moving from steady “see that girl,” observations into an expressive vocal soaring and synth-touched memorable bridge. An emotional, orchestral-featuring production excels on the finale “Everybody Needs Somebody,” sending chills in its range between heartfelt balladry and harmonious vocal escalations. Rob Lea thoroughly impresses across this gripping debut album.
You can purchase CD and vinyl of Lea’s debut album here.
