Album Review: Tyler Edwards – Too Young for Love
Tyler Edwards has a genuineness about him that makes his album infinitely listenable. The instrumentation on the album really works with his voice, carrying an upbeat but not too raucous sound. He’s a talented singer with a style that just goes down smooth. This collection of songs will push listeners to think deeply about life, love, and relationships.
The opener is “Headed for the Coast,” a high flying anthem with plenty of strings a-strummin’ throughout. Edwards’ soaring “she might be the one,” and call to head for the coast are both the sounds of a desperate man trying to find his way. It’s such a feeling we can relate to as listeners when we just feel like we need to get away from it all. Something about the sea can make us feel small and unimportant again. It’s perfectly discussed here. It’s a great roadtrip track, too.
“Calling Me” has some pretty cool harmonies. It’s more of a groove track. It feels both country and like some sort of amazing offshoot, too. It’s got southern rock and even some gospel feel to it. The track leads nicely into “Down,” a more laid back violin-heavy track. “I feel safer on my ledges than I do on the ground. You thirst for freedom that none of you have found.” It’s a real existential kind of song. It’s about knowing someone really well, but ultimately about trying to survive life together in the hard times. It’s heavier than it feels on first listen and that’s totally okay.
“Common Ground” sounds like it should be played in a coffee shop. (Get it… coffee… ground? eh.) Much less country and much more folk on this one, the double voice on the lead is an interesting sound. The guitar does it for me, honestly. It’s just the right balance of guitar and vocals to make it feel familiar. The lyrics seem to be about rebuilding life. It’s complicated, though. I’d love to hear the story behind this one.
The harmonies on “Sail On” are easily my favorite part of the whole album. Edwards’ vocals soar on this one just as much as the album opener. The strings work really well. The repetitive “sail on” message seems to really resonate. Edwards is at his best with these ballad type tracks. “Lover you show me what scars are for. You said I’ll never see a settled score. So I watch you as you live your life and I’m learning from the things that you hold tight. Sail on.” It’s a highly emotional song highlighting the importance of a key relationship. And again another travel metaphor…
The fingerpicking and vocals at the beginning of “Too Young for Love” is great. It’s evident why Edwards made this the title of his album. It’s his heart poured out most obviously. He’s got a message about how complicated life and love can be, but this song cuts to the quick with it. “Living is easy when you’re too young for love,” with the implication of “but then it gets hard.” The minor run on the fingerpicking had to be insanely difficult, but Edwards handles it and makes it sound easy. Nicely done.
Tyler Edwards reminds of two artists. And seriously don’t throw anything at me. He sings a lot like Jeff Buckley. His songwriting reminds me of someone a bit more pop and melodic, maybe Dustin Kensrue. That’s some pretty good company there. Edwards has a real quest for the essence of life. He talks about travelling, life, love, and relationships. It will be interesting to hear where his lyrics and songwriting take him in the coming years. Fans of folk singer songwriters (which, let’s be honest, if you’re still reading is all of you) really will enjoy this album. I know I’ll be coming back to it in my personal album rotation.
