NICK HAGELIN, City Lights (EP)
I’m so very happy to report that Atlanta-based singer/songwriter Nick Hagelin’s 9 song EP City Lights has arrived at last, his first since 2011’s Take Off EP. It’s available on his website for free download. Thanks to Nick, I’ve been predisposed to its fine songs for the last little while. Nick’s sound now veers more away from mainstream pop on a lot of the songs on City Lights, though the delightfully contagious “Trust It” and the breezy “First Move” are certainly more pure pop songs than the rest. There’s a lot of focus on more R&B-oriented pop, which is obviously Nick’s love and forté.
The initial single (currently available for free download) is the offbeat and addictive “Finest Clothes In Town” (currently #6 on my personal chart). It’s a playful, flirty number which revolves around a vocal sample that sounds a lot like Ray Charles or someone similar of the 50’s Blues/R&B school, and is most deserving of attention. You first heard the ballad “Ex Games” when I posted about it over 2 years ago, and it became the 2nd most read post on this blog site. The song is great storytelling with spoken word interludes which give it a 70’s feel. Also harkening back to the 70’s, but specifically to what sounds like Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” period, you will enjoy “Is This Thing On”, highlighting Nick’s softer vocal at its best.
All of the songs are well-rounded and obviously built by a skilled team. But what’s most important here is the performance, because without it being as strong as it is, they wouldn’t sound this good. Nick is as diverse and honest-sounding a performer as the best of them – you’ll reference Justin Timberlake and Usher for sure. His pop songs will certainly charm you, but you will definitely dig the new school R&B with selective old school influences. Don’t miss out on City Lights! I’ve been saying it for the last several years in these pages – Nick Hagelin is going places.
If you’re in Atlanta on Friday, May 2, check out Nick Hagelin at his City Lights release party at Suite Lounge on Luckie Street.
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