Havens - Half of Your Heart
Rock, Power Pop
Canada
Overall Impression: "Half of Your Heart" is an exciting new release from Toronto-based singer/songwriter Andrew Beg, better known as Havens. This uptempo track features a slick, contemporary pop/rock sound that's highlighted by twin guitar leads and colossal riffs, driven by an airtight rhythm section and colored by dazzling synths in support of Havens' stunning vocal performance. His melodious topline conveys a painful breakup with emotionally vulnerable lyrics, reinforced by soaring backing vocal harmonies that really bring this tune to life. Havens' "Half of Your Heart" will certainly appeal to pop/rock fans of any age, particularly those with an affinity for the sweet melodic hooks and massive guitars of classic power pop.
Strongest Point(s): Tremendous production, outstanding mix. Great tonal balance and staging, nice full sound. Strong song structure and arrangement, some really great subtle variations here that reveal themselves upon repeated listenings. Fantastic guitar and synth tones. Terrific solo section. Drums sit well in the mix, staying out of the way while still providing a solid backbeat. Love the intro, grabs the listener straight away. Nice contrast between verse and chorus. Incredible vocal performance and production; clear and confident delivery and a compelling style. Brilliant backing vox; meticulously layered and mixed, they add so much wonderful character and texture. Solid lyrical content, resonant title hook that should stick with listeners. Overall this is an excellent example of pure, three-minute power pop, done in a modern style with vintage sensibilities. This should have no problems finding an audience, very nice work by all involved.
Target Audience Appeal: Fans of Pop/Rock, Contemporary Pop/Rock, Power Pop
Artist target suggestions: Rick Springfield, Todd Rundgren, Lou Gramm, Corey Hart, Tonic, Third Eye Blind, Nick Lowe, Cheap Trick, Big Star, Matthew Sweet, Fountains of Wayne, Semisonic, Marshall Crenshaw, The Replacements, Raspberries, Loverboy, Boston, Peter Cetera, John Waite
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About the Reviewer:
Steven Azami is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Both as a touring/session player and as a producer, his career has spanned nearly every genre from bluegrass to jazz, from rock to reggae. In addition, his work as a music educator has allowed him to cultivate and foster talent among the next generation of musical explorers.