Jay Allen – The First Five
It makes sense there are only five songs on Jay Allen’s short album The First Five. What strikes
me is that each song on it is unique, with a broad range of instrumentation and ideas. Jay Allen
is, of course, known for his song “Blank Stare” which isn’t on this early album but is worth
seeking out a listen due to its heartfelt story of his mother’s Alzheimer’s. His touring with his
band The Stallions has raised $25 million for the National Alzheimer’s Association, which is
such a noble cause I want to seek him out and shake his hand for all the good work he’s done.
Now, onto the album itself – “Yo Mama” and “Top It Off” are the two most conventional songs
on the album, rock songs with distorted electric guitars; admittedly, the main lyric of “Yo
Mama” confused me on first listen, because the singer is thanking their object of affection’s
mother for making them the way they are. It’s not inherently a romantic statement in my book,
but that’s just me.
“What Took Ya So Long” is interesting right off the bat, since the electro beat clashes in a good
way with the lead banjo that the song begins with. It eventually melds into a satisfying ballad
about the loss of a love that’s just moved out, but with a refreshing twist in the lyrics that makes
the song different from other ballads of this nature.
“Man of the House”, comparatively, is a calm song with piano and guitar accompanied by a
hushed voice singing about yesteryear. “Sounds Good to Me” is driven by a drum beat that gives
the song a wonderful movement. It’s my favorite of the songs on the album, because it just feels
so nice to listen to! I smiled listening to syncopated guitar hits and the echoey riffs fading in and
out of the track.
This album is a treat, and it’s nice to listen to more of Allen’s work. He’s a good musician as
well as an upstanding and charitable worker for a necessary cause. He’s using his music to help
those in need, and that’s an automatic approval from me.