| Phil Joel - The New Normal EP (2008) |
| Written by Catherine | |
 Phil Joel’s fourth solo album is currently in the works, and if his EP is the sole evidence of how great it’s going to be, you won’t need any more proof. The New Normal is set to be released in the near future, but you can get a pretty good taste of it with the full-length EP, now being sold at Joel’s solo shows all summer. He follows his own rules with this one with extremely raw vocals and absolute stunning lyrics. The seven-track EP gives his fans more than a glimpse of what’s to come, and he is nowhere near disappointing them. He starts it off with “Shout”, a great rock anthem for the beginning of any album. As he defines the “new normal”, he literally shouts the repeated key word of the song, followed by some encouragement to let our voice be heard. With this, Joel does something never before heard with his voice as he expresses the raw emotion needed to convey the message. Though I’m convinced this song sounds much better live, the studio version isn’t something to skip over. His rough, cracked vocals during the chorus bring a new dimension to the song, forcing you to feel what he feels. From the first note of the next song, “Go Home”, it was my favorite on the album. As it slows up and quiets down the EP, the first line of the song is more than likely something that’s hard to hear, and frankly, one that contradicts what most of the CCM industry loves to proclaim. Again, following his own rules, Joel challenges us to stay home and work on our own families and loved ones in the hopes of saving the world. The high piano notes mesh perfectly with Joel’s vocals for a soothing and comforting sound. Speeding it up once again, Joel’s pun with the title of “DWYL” makes this song all the more perfect. An abbreviation for “Don’t Waste Your Life” names one of the most solid rock songs on the preview and is one that should be the theme song of most, if not all, message boards, cell phone companies, and cable companies. A world dependent on technology is already here and Joel does his best to encourage us all to take a step back and re-evaluate our daily choices, daring to pose the question, “Do you have it or does it have you?” “You Belong To Me” is a truly beautiful song written from God’s point of view. With the sound and vocals comparable to his “El Salvador” on Watching Over You, the powerful lyrics are bound to comfort you with the first listen. The lyric that sticks out for me personally is one that I’m convinced only a lyrical genius could write: “There is more than meets the eye here behind the scenes; do not fear, let faith arise.” It takes a lot to believe that, but put with music, it seems all the more plausible. It’s something we all need to have confirmed in our lives sooner or later; God does have everything under control. My goal of writing a song-by-song synopsis fails miserably with “Pink Elephant.” It is very different than any other song on the album. With a drawn out sound and vocals, there is no other way to describe it except to tell you to hear it for yourself with the release. Trust me, you’ll thank me when you get to listen to it yourself. “The Best Thing” is growing on me. It has a quick, non-stop beat with a bit of a techno sound, and the lyrics are some to chew on. This time, the topic is humiliation. We all need to fall on our face every now and then because sometimes, “this is the best thing that could have happened.” Again with the piano, Joel ends the EP with an extremely solid ballad, “Call.” Another one written from God’s point of view, the lyrics reflect “You Belong to Me” in that in a sense, God is telling us that everything is going to be alright. Joel shows off his writing talent yet again during the steady rhythm of the chorus: “Call unto Me and I will show you marvelous things you would not know on your own. I hold the keys to your life; there’s so much to be shown, you’re not in this all alone.” The sound and lyrics together make “Call” a truly perfect song all around. A sole piano keeps playing for an extra three minutes or so to the end the album on a high note. The New Normal is easily the strongest album created in quite a while, and the whole CD hasn’t even been released yet. The seven-track EP is more than enough to tickle the senses of Phil Joel’s fans, and he does so without settling with just few good songs. Each song stands out strongly on their own and leaves you wondering what Joel could possibly do to top them. If you get the chance to see Joel live this summer, be sure to pick up the EP for The New Normal. It is a must-have in every music collection. |
