Tom Craven delivers big on exceptional 2nd LP, "Make Yourself Known"
Having inched towards his full record with each and every review, the day has finally come, and the final result of Tom Craven’s 2nd LP is immaculate. Read on as we break down our thoughts on Make Yourself Known, as well as an update on this artist.
Tom Craven's second full studio album, Make Yourself Known, is a triumph of honesty and resilience. The album is a collection of enigmatic songs that Tom has been writing over the past decade, but they have taken on a new resonance in the wake of the pandemic. Our last review featured “New Signals”, a real standout on the record, but the entirety of this listen has come together for one fantastic and cohesive experience. We highly recommend you get into it as soon as you can.
The album is a testament to Tom's self-belief and bravery in the face of adversity. The songs are deeply personal, and they deal with themes of loss, loneliness, and insecurity. However, this is not an album that dwells on the negatives. Instead, Tom uses his music to explore these difficult emotions and find a way through them. The lyricism and the way that he exceptionally paints pictures with his words are a perfect example of the approach. Some songs are calls to action, urging listeners to step out of the shadows and make themselves known to the world. It's a powerful message, and it's delivered with a sense of urgency and passion that is impossible to ignore.
Elsewhere on the album, Tom explores a range of different styles and moods. From the hauntingly beautiful "A Change in the Papers" to the upbeat and catchy "The Game Inside," there is something here for everyone. Throughout the album, Tom's voice is the star of the show. He has a unique and soulful tone that is perfectly suited to the emotional depth of his lyrics. His singing is backed by a band that knows how to create the perfect atmosphere for each song. We mentioned in past reviews, but it becomes even more apparent now, that musical theatre-esque feeling looms over the record but only in a way that helps to amplify the ambiguity of the genre. There’s truly so much happening stylistically, it’s like he’s carved out something new for himself.
Make Yourself Known is a deeply personal and heartfelt album that is sure to resonate with everyone that clicks the play button. Tom Craven has poured his heart and soul into these songs, and the result is a truly special record that deserves to be heard. If you're looking for music that speaks to the human experience in all its complexity, this is the album for you.
Please, go ahead and click those links below in order to get listening, following along, and of course to keep a close eye on how the rest of this year plays out. Enjoy!
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