Okay, I’ll just say this: TOM. PROCTOR. IS. EVERYTHING! Literally, he’s everything; him, his band, and his newest album, Working Man, which was released June 15thof this year. As a music fanatic, I’ve never listened to an album that was as real as Working Man…or, at least, likeit. In other words, I’ve never listened to an album to the point where at the end, I said, “…now, this is just deep on so many levels.” While I’m on that, can I just call this album “deep”…please?
Working Man’s two best aspects, among others, areits realistic themes and its commitment to one genre. First thing’s first: let’s talk about themes. Many of today’s songs refer to love, drama, heartbreak, and loving yourself. But, not many songs talk about the observation of life. Warning: don’t take “observation of life” lightly because there’s nothing “light” about it. What do I mean? Well, take Working Man (yes, the song of the same name) and In Hollywood(a song that hit home), for example. Working Man explains the struggles of people who work long hours to supply for their family. But, this doesn’t go without facing personal problems, like dealing with unappreciative people. Those same exact people working long hours wonder time and time again if there’s anyone else like them who might be going through the same thing. They might be wondering if there’s any hope or sense of guidance. How can I tell? Well, I was raised by a single parent (whom I appreciate very much). On the other hand, In Hollywood brutally explains how most people end up making it in Hollywood. This isn’t said much, but it is most certainly NOT an easy journey trying to become active in showbiz, especially the right way. Out of all the songs, In Hollywood was the one that hit all the way home, especially because I’ve been interested in the showbiz industry for the longest time (our little secret). Just when you thought no artist or band would say anything, Tom Proctor and the A-Listers would. I’m impressed.
And now, the second-best aspect: its country genre. As a music fanatic, I’m all for genre fusions. But, to have an album dedicated to just one genre is a bit outstanding and rather impressive. To me, sticking with one genre is part of what defines an artist…or in this case, a band. Now, I don’t mean that in a bad way; I mean that in a good way. Prime example, remember Taylor Swift? Of course, you do! Remember when she started out in the country genre and switched to pop? Country defined her. Then, pop redefined her. I’m all for redefinition because it’s all about change. But, when an artist or band is able to stick to one genre, that’s something else…and something worth being proud of.
I can’t guarantee that Working Manwill have you working, but I can guarantee that it’ll have you in your feels. Believe that!
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www.tomproctorandthealisters.com
