Lawson - Chapman Square


It is very rare that a band comprised of 100% hot men will go far in terms of credibility. Foster the People were pretty much a one-off, let's be honest. So my attitudes toward Lawson were initially doubtful.

So, avoiding the frequent urge to just watch their music videos on mute, Tumblr search each band member's name followed by the word 'shirtless' and tracking down some fanfiction, let's dive into their asse-album. Sorry.


So whenever the whole co-written by the lead singer, co-written by a producer thing pops up in pop music there's always a difficulty in gaging the real creative input: Adele and Beyonce are largely allowed to get away with it and pull off critical and commercial acclaim, but if someone like the Script or Katy Perry are guilty of the same act it's rejected. Of course, the defining aspect between these sets of characters is talent, ingenuity and obvious quality - but with Lawson it's difficult to tell. Their live performances are polished but accomplished, and show little difference to the studio quality, but whether these are the true inspirations of Andy Brown remains to be seen.

Don't get me wrong - Chapman Square is about the furthest thing you can get from a groundbreaking or life-changing record (at least if you're over the age of 14). It's not a write-off, though: the singles 'Waterfall' and 'Taking Over Me' are so obviously laden with hooks and singalong moments that it just demands the question why they haven't been written before. Even their filler is of a pretty hummable, inoffensive romance variety (see: 'When She Was Mine', 'Everywhere You Go'), and there's just an overall 'OK'ness about them that's neither inspiring nor tedious.

For me, the main problem is the vocals of Brown himself. He's clearly capable, but there's this horrible, whiney pitch to them in too many songs here that just totally puts me off the album.


I can't hate it, though, and whether there's an unquenchable libido overriding my usual critical stance or not, the album's pretty decent.

Rating: 5/10
Highlights: Taking Over Me, Waterfall, Make it Happen, Learn to Love Again, Standing in the Dark
Avoid: Gone, Stolen, You Didn't Tell Me

Artwork Watch: Only angst this is inspiring is an urge to hoover up.
For fans of: The Script, The Wanted, hot men, chest-grabbing
Up next: Little Mix  

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