Friday, September 27, 2013

'Fall Apart' by Kenyth Mogan EP Review

Kenyth Mogan is an up-and-coming pop artist, originally from Montana, who goes by the title the "wholesome homo." Quirky, right? For years now, Kenyth has been working behind the scenes in Hollywood always waiting for his big break. He's worked on movie sets and web-series, and he's even an author. He published a graphic novel “The Phoenix Chronicles: Awakenings” back in 2007, just going to show how much talent is balled up in this geek-chic singer. He is finally releasing his debut EP Fall Apart on October 1st, and it's a culmination of seven years of working in L.A. chasing his dreams. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of the EP, and I can tell you it's quite fantastic, if a quality pop record is your thing. If you like unashamedly gay-friendly ear candy, look no further. The EP has three originals and two covers, but it's on the original tracks where he really shines. I'm excited for Kenyth to launch his career so I hope you take a look at what he has to offer. You can now purchase the album on iTunes HERE.

1. Mickey - 7/10

Yep, you know what this song is! "Hey Mickey, you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind. Hey, Mickey!" The song was originally recorded by Toni Basil in 1981, and Kenyth brings his own sugary pop sound to this classic track, giving it that gay sass that makes it oh so good. It's got a very '90s bubblegum pop sound mixed with Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B album which makes it awesome. Great way to open the EP.



2. (Let Me) Unlock Your Heart - 8/10

This song is written by Matthew Hayes and Paul Harris, and being the friend that he is, Matthew gave the song to Kenyth to release. This is the first original track on the release, and it's an acoustic guitar driven song with Kenyth channeling his inner pop diva. Kenyth sings about wanting to intimately know his lover; he just wants to be the key so he can develop a closer relationship. I think we can all relate to this one.



3. Fall Apart - 10/10

When I got the advanced copy of this EP I honestly wasn't expecting too much. I thought there would be some decent songs, but that nothing would stand out to me. Boy, was I wrong! The title track and debut single 'Fall Apart' is literally perfect. The second I heard it I knew it was a bona fide hit, instantly going on my Fall playlist. I can't tell you how many times I've already listened to it. It has a classic pop sound with some great dimensions to it. I love Kenyth's voice here, melting my heart as he delivers a ridiculously catchy hook. If any Top 40 artist released this, it would be huge. I can't wait to see the video!



4. One Worth Losing - 8/10

This is the last original song on the EP, and it's another good one. The beginning kind of reminds me of RuPaul's 'Main Event' which is awesome. Then the song picks up into this great bombastic pop groove. If there's one thing I can say about this album it's that it is the quintessential pop gem. It's like Kenyth boiled pop music down to the elements that make it iconic and wove them together to create a beautiful tapestry.



5. I Like 'Em Big and Stupid - 8/10

For the final track, Kenyth covers Julie Brown's 1987 novelty track. Kenyth keeps the signature '80s sound and unleashes his inner pop diva once again. He puts on a blonde bimbo voice and it all comes together to make a fun, cheeky track. Kenyth just wants them big and stupid, is that too much to ask? I like how this track in a way mimics 'Mickey', creating a rounded off EP that you just want to blast in your car with the windows down.




Tracks to Check Out: 'Fall Apart', '(Let Me) Unlock Your Heart'

Overall Rating: 8/10

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