★ ★ ★ ★ out of 5
Puberty can be a real pain in the ass for most teenagers. Luckily, growing up has been a blessing in disguise for 18-year-old singer/songwriter Greyson Chance. The talented artist, who first came to prominence thanks to a viral "Paparazzi" cover, has brilliantly transformed into a suave R&B/pop recording artist, showcasing tremendous maturity when compared to his debut album release back in 2011.
For Somewhere Over My Head, his second extended play, Chance focuses on using his dramatically altered vocal abilities to his utmost advantage. No longer a child, the artist provides personal details of relationship troubles and intimate encounters on the five-track effort. After a series of unfortunate label change ups and one-off single releases, the new EP represents three years of hard work and determination on Chance's part.
Preceded by infectious, commanding singles such as "Afterlife" and "Hit & Run", the EP is a glowing preview of what is to come from an upcoming full length effort. Gone are the days of Ellen DeGeneres label support and "Unfriend You"-like tunes, exchanged for slightly explicit lyrical content, a captivating electronic sound and a more adult friendly image that will aid in Chance's potential, much deserved future chart success.
Constructed as an upbeat, mid-tempo ballad, Chance details a personal story of a romantic interest taking a leap into the unknown on the indie-pop "Afterlife". Besides a commendable vocal performance, the EP's official lead single makes a strong impact due to the emotionally-driven songwriting and a soaring hook that would not sound out of place on radio. Instead of overusing tired, production-heavy trends, the artist lets his natural talents carry the track.
Current single "Back on the Wall" perfectly blends the R&B/pop/jazz sound Chance has been toying around recently. Supported by slick, energetic production, the artist presents a passionate track that continues to build, foreseeing a moment of ecstasy and pleasure. "When darkness comes to you babe, you don't have to worry, I'mma be the one to stay," he reassures his nervous lover. Though cute and adorable, the song offers a subtle glimpse into the artist's sensual side.
"Hit & Run" finds Chance facing a somber life alone as he struggles with internal conflicts between love and unattractive personality traits, traits that he is seemingly blaming his own father for. The artist is well aware of his flaws, but doesn't seem to be owning up to them, as he watches his lover walk out of his life. All of these realizations are supported by dark, moody, synth-driven production that acts as a counteractive balance to the narrative, personal lyrical content.
Chance questions whether he deserves to have a love so good on the slightly more tamed "No Fear", a track that highlights destructive behavior before finding redemption in the arms of another. The scaled back production allows for all attention to be on the artist's controlled, emotive vocal delivery, one that is sincere and reflective. It may be a shock to hear Chance now sing of being drunk in a bar, but the endearing, narrative approach to the songwriting is the track's strong point.
The EP closes out with "More Than Me", an intriguing, ballad-like effort that unexpectedly changes pace halfway through. Chance takes to the bottle again while searching for reasons that led to the downfall of a relationship. "Your memory near, laced with the pain, I needed love but it's never the same, when I wanted more, you wanted more than me," he tragically belts on the chorus, right before finally realizing the person he hurt for, wasn't worth it in the end.
Somewhere Over My Head is a successful extended play. Acting as a teaser for what could be, Greyson Chance has moved from novelty child star to an artist who could dominant in the somewhat crowded R&B/pop genre. With a sound reminiscent to the likes Mat Kearney and Gavin DeGraw, Chance also showcases hint of Nick Jonas and Justin Timberlake with smooth vocal performances and uptempo tracks. Yes, he can be compared to a few artists currently on the scene, but the voice is original and stands out from the crowd. Five tracks may not be enough to get a full sense of exactly what type of Chance is, but as an EP, it works at building buzz, honing in on a sound and perfecting it before the official, vital sophomore album.
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