Eric Hutchinson
Pure Fiction
Reviewed by: Lara Supan
What do you say to a friend who seems to be making some bad life decisions?
Eric Hutchinson has been in the local music scene for quite a while, and is known for his clever, thought provoking lyrics and unique, edgy vocals. This new album shows absolutely none of that. Pure Fiction seems to be just that- a complete departure from all that made Eric Hutchinson different than all the regional pop acts on the east coast. Doubled vocals, generic lyrics and a terribly blasé selection of rhythmic components make this album completely forgettable, which is not Hutchinson’s style in the least.
This musical travesty starts with “Tell The World”, a song that sounds like U2 sponsored a 6th grade song writing contest. It makes sense that NBC’s new series, Growing Up Fisher, picked this up as the theme song, because that’s probably all it’s good for. Sadly, this was meant to be Hutchinson’s single, and his entire tour has been named after it. In his earlier albums, Hutchinson’s lyrics would look like poetry set to music- on this album you’re lucky to get more than a catchy chorus and a couple of “oo oo oo’s”.
In “A Little More”, he talks about texting and needing to be buzzed when he’s alone. The full line is “can I get a little more”, which is obviously speaking about the drugs and not the girl. Where Hutchinson is usually known for his witty, rhythmically complex rhyme schemes, this song is riddled with single syllable, in-your-face hits that make me want a little less of what he’s selling.
Hutchinson has always been known to be overtly blunt with his lyrics and album titles, which might set the common Hutchead (the title he gives his fans) on edge with this new one.
Eric, man, let’s say we forget this ever happened and move on, okay? You’re much better than this.
Rating: No comment
