Joseph Eid composes in an eclectic style borrowing from Folk-Pop music, combined with an Alt-Rock aesthetic. His lyrics share a black humor/self-deprecating sensibility. He writes of the mundane and the complex, and probably doesn’t understand everything but questions what he already knows. On this his latest entitled “Human” it seems to captures the spirit of Paul Simon at his most folk-rockingest. “Human” could fit into several genres making it a great album for both Americana-Country and rock fans. “Human” clearly puts a guy like Eid in an elite league of genuine songwriters and it is a must listen. I suspect influenced largely by bands like Crowded House, Things of Stone and Wood, Eric Hutchinson, John Mayer, Gavin Degrew and Justin Nozuka, The Jayhawks, Barenaked Ladies, and the Counting Crows, Eid works to define a sound all his own and a dedication to each detail of the songwriting process.
Track 1, ‘Ready Now” sets the stage well for a consistent and uplifting musical journey. With this CD, expect soul-stirring harmonies and at times hypnotic Folksy-Americana style instrumentation. Straight away it’s clear to me that these 12 tracks are an imaginative return to humor-laced song writing fused with the better musical touches of today’s Pop, all with the eccentricity of a Singer/Songwriter. Eid at times reminds me of The Dandy Warhols, Tom Waits, Jon Cale and even Matt Wertz. I must admit today’s music has many people feeling of bit of soullessness – how appropriate that I get a CD by an artist like Eid that was a real shock to the system – in a good way. The album advances in hooky fashion with the magnificent title track, “Hit Me Up” and “Something Real” three brilliant exercises in self reflection laden with hooky vibes and an impressive vocal delivery from Eid. The only surprise is that at least 5 of these pieces showcased are not ‘radio friendly singles’ already of the highest order. I would go so far as to say 90% of this album is Radio marketable. Other stand-out track like “What Will You Do” and “The Rock” walk you through a pleasant journey through a Pop-Folk passion play of his psyche. The harmonies on “Rain” beautify what could have been a dance number. ‘Something Real” could be featured on TV or Film, showcasing Eid and his band as a moving and grooving unit, with its amazing chorus.
In the end Joseph Eid is a real breath of fresh air compared to what’s out there right now. As I mentioned earlier, ‘Human” is a real shock to the everyday musical system presently in place. Of the whole album, 4 songs are in the category of brilliant, 6 is good, and 2 skipped through in rotation. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Eid’s popularity continue to grow as it did in my own household during the week.
Rating 8.5/10 Stars
Official URL: http://josepheidmusic.com/
Purchase Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/human/id731839935
Liz Carmichael
