An Unashamed Love Record
Stephen Sanchez and Vintage Revival
Today I'm recommending the new record from Stephen Sanchez.
Artist: Stephen Sanchez
Album: Love, Love, Love
Vintage 50s and 60s pop revival could easily come off as cosplay, and Sanchez knows it. But his voice and production are modern, his musicianship is real as he plays piano and guitar across multiple tracks, and the joy here is genuine.
One of the ingredients that makes it work is restraint. Sanchez can do impressive things vocally, and he earns the big moments by not giving them away constantly. When he finally opens up on tracks like “Don’t Let Me Go Again,” the clarity and strength of the man’s voice hits hard. “Sweet Love” is immediately infectious and pure 60s-era romantic bliss. “Love, Love, Love” dips into a Marvin Gaye pocket, which sounds quite natural. “Forgetting Your Kiss” has flashes that recall the better moments in Harry Styles’ discography.
Sanchez has said he wanted to make a record without anger or negativity, and he accomplishes that. There is no knocking exes or a manufactured edge here. It’s a sweet, well-crafted and performed record from a genuinely awesome male singer - which, right now, is worth celebrating. A couple of tunes here don’t match up to others (Dance Away the Music, for example), but this album remains a breeze from beginning to end.
Enjoy the music video below for "Sweet Love," starring his cute grandparents cutting a rug. (It's worth noting that Sanchez recently got engaged to his fiancée at his grandparents' home.) A man in a suit singing and dancing with a smile, modest ladies grinning ear to ear, and the sensation that he's performing a style of music that was big when his grandparents were in their teens and 20s. It's a lot of fun, and a genuine dose of happiness on display. One thinks our age could use more pop sensibilities like this. Watch till the end.
Parents Guide: Clean. Very mild innuendo here and there.
🎵 Listen on Apple Music | Spotify
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