Self-taught musicians are more often than not much more creative than the ones who have had diligent guidance from music teachers, vocal coaches, and the like. Self-taught musicians tend to think outside the box and create music based solely on their emotions, instincts and life-long influences. Michael Lee is a prime example of this.
Lee’s music comes from the heart and it is clear that he is the master of his domain. With influences such as Incubus, Jeff Buckley and Sting, Michael Lee has created an album rife with emotion, creativity and originality.
Face Forward opens with “Land of Change” and it is a softly melodic way to introduce the world to Lee’s music. There is a heavy Incubus influence to this track and Lee’s voice is uncannily similar to that of Brandon Boyd’s. The production is flawless and the sound is crystal clear. Each note rings out wonderfully. With a slightly spectral vibe to this piece, it is easy to envision vibrant colors swirling across a shining white landscape. “Land of Change” sets the pace for a melodic journey into Michael Lee’s world.
“Trust” and “Despite” also feature Incubus-influenced melodies with Lee’s own unique flair. Both tracks are expertly produced and engineered and Lee’s vocals, especially in “Trust,” showcase his extraordinary range and strength. Brandon Boyd may need to take heed, as he is about to be surpassed in the music circuit.
“Tired” seems to be more Lee’s own style, starting with beautiful piano work that might make the Piano Man Billy Joel himself jealous. This track is hauntingly harmonious and exceptionally well-crafted. “Tired” takes the album in a slightly different direction and the lyrics are tinged with sadness, despite the uplifting melodies of Lee’s flawless piano work. His vocals are taken to new heights in this piece – something that is wholly his own.
The album continues on in this vein with “Mystery of Life,” which slows down the pace significantly. Working the acoustic guitar with skills that rival those of Jeff Buckley, Michael Lee croons out this melancholy ballad effortlessly and then rolls smoothly into “Youth.” The transition between these two very different songs is excellent. Lee doesn’t miss a beat and the listener is not shoved rudely from the slow-paced “Mystery of Life” into the faster tempo of “Youth.” This is a perfect example of ideal song placement on an album and superior engineering.
The opening rhythms of “In the Picture” have a vague and barely perceptible Blue Oyster Cult feel to it, specifically the song “I Love the Night”, and Lee again proves that his vocal abilities far surpass those of more prominent artists. Letting himself flow with the mellow groove of this track, Lee soothes his own tortured soul, and by proxy, all of ours.
“Distant Future” changes it up with a catchy, almost Western American guitar riff that is upbeat and bouncy. The lyrics make it clear that this is a love song, and a beautiful one at that. There is a minimal amount of instrumentation in this song, which makes it simple and easy to listen to. It is patently clear that Michael Lee can hold his own without a ton of effects and overdubs. Michael Lee and a guitar sound just perfect.
“Never Enough Time” brings forth a side of Lee that was not made evident before now. The guitar work and the rhythm of this track again bring to mind Incubus, but there is a touch of something darker and more sinister here, perhaps even sensual. The band TOOL comes to mind, and this is wholly unexpected but undeniable all the same. “Never Enough Time” is unlike anything on the album thus far and it takes Michael Lee to a different plane of musical genius. The rhythm is seductive, his guitar work is heavier, and his vocals are grittier and more powerful than any of the previous tracks.
The title track, “Face Forward,” is an instrumental work and it encompasses everything that Michael Lee is trying to accomplish. It is a masterful piece of musical genius that shows, without any doubt whatsoever, what a talented and gifted artist he is. Self-taught and self-contained, Lee plays all the instruments on all his tracks. While the listener may know this from the beginning, it doesn’t really hit home until listening to “Face Forward.” The piano work is impeccable, the guitar positively screams, and the overall feeling of this piece is one of awe and inspiration. This track is comparable to something that Pink Floyd would be happy to call their own. In fact, this track is comparable to something that anyone would be happy to call his own, but it is Michael Lee’s all the way. “Fast Forward” embodies everything that Michael Lee stands for. It is pure melodic perfection, brimming with talent and emotion.
The closing track, “That Day,” continues with Lee astounding his listeners once more with his stellar piano playing. He graces us one last time with his heartfelt vocals and his unusual and unique way of provoking emotions that have been lying dormant and forgotten in the hearts of his listeners for quite some time.
Michael Lee is an extraordinary artist with the skills, talent, and power to make his music a basic tool of survival not only to himself, but to anyone who is fortunate enough to be graced by the beauty, honesty, and creativity that his music brings forth. Face Forward is not merely a good album. It is the very essence of life itself.
Review by Rhonda Readence
