Ben Arnold
Lost Keys
Reviewed by: Jane Roser
Singer-songwriter Ben Arnold has helped shape the Philadelphia music scene for over 25 years. He is as much a part of its incredible culture as The Free Library or The Rodin Museum are- a jewel in the crown.
Arnold’s recent LP, Lost Keys, is a dazzling album with ten tracks that are dripping in soulful blues and jazz. His vocals are powerful and emotionally driven; he delivers each song with a punch to the gut or in a smoky tap on your heartstrings.
“Nobody Hurtin’ Like Me” illustrates the hopelessness and sorrow someone close to you is feeling, yet you know the best thing you can do for them is to give them space and time to grieve. “One Heart” is a beautiful, if slightly grim ballad reminding the listener they only have one heart, one song to sing, one chance and one life…so don’t eff it up. “Cannonball” is a fun, funky and fiery song with witty lyrics filled with sass and gunpowder: “I want to be your friend/Didn’t want to start a war/Does it have to end this way, gotta even up the score/You took no prisoners when you’re looking for my love/Now you’re all business, dropped a bomb from up above.”
When you ask for water and baby gives you gasoline- that’s the blues and this album is wonderfully drenched in it.
Rating: Bad-Ass
