Album Review :
Poema - Sing it Now

Artist: Poema
Album: Sing it Now (Ep)
Label: Tooth & Nail Records
Release Date: 3/23/10
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Tracklisting:

1. 2AM
2. City Boy
3. Feel the Same Way
4. Echo Off the Sky
5. Safe to Say
6. Blue Sweater

When I first heard the demos they had on myspace, I was pleasantly surprised and impressed with the two sisters, Elle and Shealeen Puckett. Their sound was refreshing, introspective, and very “chill” so to say. So you could imagine my thrill when T&N sent me this album for review a few months ago. Sorry it took so long to review this, I’ve been buried by family duties and a ton of new music. So anyway, about this album….

The “Sing it Now” ep begins with the sweeping emotional upper, “2AM” which just so happens to be this group’s lead single. The song is a solid introspective number about teenage love (much like the rest of the album). Aaron Sprinkle’s production definitely adds weight to this simple song, and the subtle nuances of the backing instruments lifts this melodramatic love story. I am sensing elements of Taylor Swift’s songwriting and I’m not knocking Poema at all, it’s actually a complement.

“City Boy” is the next track on this 6 song ep. Another love story about you guessed it, a “City Boy”. Teenage dreaming indeed. Another track that benefits from Mr. Aaron Sprinkle’s production and backing instruments.

“Feel the Same Way” is the third track on the ep and is more of a piano led ballad about teenage love and longing to be together.

“Echo Off The Sky” has more piano and some strings as well. Reference to their album title “Sing it Now” is found in the chorus to this song.

“Safe to Say” is the 5th track on this release and sounds similar to the others. Simple yes, but melodic and to the point.

Finally the album closes with “Blue Sweater” which is a sweet humble ballad about longing for that special loved one.

Now here is where I offer my opinion. Buying Poema “Sing it Now” on amazon.com for $4.29 is definitely worth your money. “Sing it Now” is a solid pop record with subtle melodramatic pieces intended to provide the listener with a relatable subject, Love. Simply put, this record inspires the listener to seek out love, understand longing, and approach relationships with a humble heart. If I were 16. Yes, here is how we differentiate Brandon from the common Poema demographic….AGE. If I were a teenage “Lover” again, I might find more solace in these songs and especially if I were of the opposite sex. Unfortunately, I am a guy, married, and over the age of 30 so to me these songs sound a bit “innocent” if I can say that. Is there anything wrong with “innocent” mind? Of course not, it’s a fragile age and needs to be handled carefully as to not corrupt it. Therin lies the problem, our innocence has been stolen and replaced with hardened hearts. For some, they are world weary living in sorrow and hope is fleeting for many of them. It’s music like this that reminds us of the innocent heart and a mind that has not become hardened by age or societal issues. Sometimes, it’s great to take a seat and relax to “soothing” sounds about love and not be troubled by the world around us. It’s this simplicity that keeps “Sing it Now” on repeat for me. Even if I’m not a girl or a teenager any longer.

Overall:

If you’re into the sounds of Taylor Swift, Meg & Dia, or Jess Penner (Look her up), you’ll find something to enjoy in “Sing it Now”. Even if you’re a hardened, battle weary Christian, there is something to enjoy in this record. Oh and to those claiming Poema are just a “Christian” rip off of Meg & Dia, I challenge you to listen a little deeper and chill out. Sure, that influence is clearly heard on this album and was probably the deciding factor on the label signing this young act but they have enough skill to pull off a sound of their own and differentiate themselves from the thousands of nobodies and Taylor Swift clones. I encourage you to listen, learn, and be inspired by the music of Poema, if only for a few minutes of your time. You’ll be greatly rewarded.

. Score based on shortness of album and the fact that this is a debut from a young group who have years to grow ahead of them. There is quite a bit of potential in Poema and I am clearly never wrong 😉 Okay, not quite, but you get the idea.