'Good Vibrations' by Todd Michael Schultz EP Review

Todd Michael Shultz is a California native who has finally released his debut EP after many years of pursuing music. In the past he has composed the main title songs for the animated series "SamSam," "Teenage Fairytale Dropouts," and "Rob Dyrdek's Wild Grinders." He began working with Tony Rodini and crafted his own brand of pop music. He actually wrote the song "One Worth Losing" on Kenyth Mogan's EP Fall Apart which is still one of my favorite music releases this year. It's clear that Todd is a talented lyricist, and his music melds together powerful piano ballads with classic Euro pop grinding beats which fit in perfectly on European radio. He is also an out and proud gay man who has used his music as a way to connect people and make them feel like they're not alone. Todd has the voice, song crafting ability and generous heart to be a worldwide sensation so give his songs a listen and support this talented musician.

1. Good Vibrations - 8/10

'Good Vibrations' is a great way to kick off this EP. It's an upbeat feel-good track that gets you in the party mood. The song has the quintessential pop sound mixed with some electro beats providing an all around jam that will have you feeling the good vibrations along with Todd.

2. I Will Hold On to You - 9/10

For the second song, Todd treats us to a piano driven mid-tempo that reminds me of Sara Bareilles mixed with Daniel Powter's 'Bad Day'. It's a beautiful song and I think this is where Todd's voice really shines and has its biggest impact.

3. Fall Across the Sky - 10/10

It's clear the piano is Todd's instrument of choice as it makes another return here, but it's a bit more subdued under the big Euro pop production. I can totally seeing this jam being a huge hit in the European market. It has that signature Euro pop sound especially when it gets to the bridge. By the end it crescendos into an entrancing Freemasons style remix and it's perfect.

4. Stranger to This Feeling - 9/10

After the two slower tracks, Todd obliterates us with his big club banger, the type of track that every pop album needs and thrives on. Again, this has a very Euro-influenced sound, and with my five years spent in England and Germany this would fit in perfectly on the radio. It's got a Cascada vibe to it, and once it hits the bridge the song goes nuts giving us a dubstep break down that will have you addicted if you aren't already.

5. Go for It - 8/10

'Go for It' continues the more club banger aspect of the album with another upbeat track. On this one we get more of a glam pop/Basshunter feel which is awesome. I also love the lyrics of this song. It's very empowering, Todd telling you to just go for it because you have the power.

6. Told My Story - 8/10

'Told My Story' is the song that has gotten a lot of attention from the inter webs as Todd has been using it to get people to be more open and share their coming out stories. The music video gets across the point of the song better than I could ever write it. However, it's another great feel good song that brings people together. You can check out his #Storyteller movement HERE.

7. It's Just Too Much - 7/10

We've returned to the simple piano driven songs, and this mid-tempo is all about being so focused on one thing in your life that it's all you can think about and it gets in your way. It is a simple song, a big contrast from the rest of the EP.

8. Right Here Waiting - 8/10

For the final track on the EP, Todd serves us another mid-tempo but with a bit more of pop production that gives it that extra oomph to bring the various elements of the album together, providing a satisfying conclusion. I love this one because you can really feel the emotion in Todd's voice. It's powerful.

Tracks to Check Out: 'I Would Hold On to You', 'Fall Across the Sky', 'Stranger to This Feeling', 'Told My Story'

Overall Rating: 8/10