Loverboy

iTunes Review

Four albums into his career, Brett Dennen has developed into a master of the mellow, mid-tempo groove. His music has always been laid-back and catchy but never as danceable as on Loverboy, and that’s partly due to the solid, full-bodied band backing him up here. The strongest tracks — “Dancing At a Funeral,” “Comeback Kid (That’s My Dog),” “Sydney (I’ll Come Running),” “Must Be Losing My Mind,” and the funky and expansive “Queen of the Westside” — are definitely designed to get you moving. Even the slower tunes, such as the string-sweetened “Frozen In Slow Motion,” have this effect. Dennen’s defining feature remains his high-pitched, melodious voice and unique phrasing, and his delivery is as relaxed and loose as ever on this release. His lyrics are consistently thoughtful, and even when pensive and vulnerable he still sounds sunny and upbeat, a characteristic that makes the album come across as one long pick-me-up. And who doesn’t need that once in a while? Dennen fans are sure to embrace this Loverboy.