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Amos Lee – Transmissions

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Amos Lee - Transmissions

Amos Lee - Transmissions
4.6

Rating

 4.6/5

Flyctory.com Pros

  • Very touching, personal album
  • Excellent storytelling

In 2022, I already shared an album by Amos Lee with you. The album Dreamland received a Top Pick! rating. On 9th August 2024, the US-American artist is releasing a new album. Here are my thoughts about Dreamland.

 

Amos Lee – About The Artist

Amos Lee is the artist name of Ryan Anthony Massaro. He was born on 22nd June 1977 in Philadelphia. He initially worked as a teacher, before he turned into a professional musician. In 2005 he released his self-titled debut album. Since then, Amos Lee released ten studio albums. Dreamland has been the one, there have been two thereafter. One is about Chet Baker songs, another one features covers of Lucinda Williams songs.

 

Amos Lee – Transmissions – Track by Track

The twelve song album lasts 51 minutes.

1. Built To Fall

The almost six minute Built To Fall opens the album. The song is very lyrical. Its slow style is majorly driven by the piano, even though there are other instruments like some strings creating some atmosphere. From the middle on roughly, there are also some more louder sections. This leads to a nice dramatic touch.

2. Beautiful Day

With Beautiful Day, the style of Transmissions stays rather gentle. However, the song is much more present on the melodic side and also uses a wider range of instruments. The vibes head to the Americana and country side. Nonetheless, the atmosphere stays heartwarming, even though the message of the song is not all positive.

So many days that I have spent lost in the fog
Bound and gettin on but I’m still trying to get along
She said to me she sees a sadness in my eyes 
I was trying to hide it while I waited for the worst of it to fade 

3. Carry You On

After two rather long and epic songs, this one is “just” 3:30 minutes. The style rather reminds of Built To Fall. The piano feels to be tootling in the background, Amos Lee puts his warm and gentle voice on top of it. Nice one.

4. Hold On Tight

The single release Hold On Tight is comparably present and energetic. It is a nice folk music track with a rocking touch.

All we have is each other 
All we have in this long cold night 
All we have is each other 
Hold on tight 

5. Madison

For I can’t live my life without you, Madison is the key phrase of the fifth song. Amos Lee is back with the piano and sings in a very high voice. This leads to a whiny and melancholic touch initially, which creates a very intimate feeling. However, there are also some very energetic and angry moments, which create an interesting dramatic plot.

6. Darkest Places

The second and also last song on Transmissions already released is Darkest Places. The sixth song of the album is coming with a nice rhythm and vibe, which makes it a very enjoyable and easy to digest folk track. The vocals come with quite some reverb, which leads to additional presence.

7. Keep On Movin’

The title Keep On Movin’ suggests that the song might continue with the rhythmic and energetic vibes of the predecessor. However, Amos Lee is slowing down the tempo of the album again. The catching and central element of the song is definitely the dreaming and touching vocal part. It turns the song to one of my favorite listens.

8. Night Light

They say that I’m over my head
But I just been holding my breath
Watching the beautiful shipwreck 
And swimming away from it

The dark and lonely atmosphere of the night scene described in the eighth song is reflected in another slow and intimate song of the album. Who Do I turn to now? Now that I’m without you is the key statement of the song. You just have to feel with Amos Lee in this one.

9. Lucky Ones

You know I watched you grow, you know I did my best 
But I can never take credit for the woman you’ve become
You know I held your hand, I helped you pass the test 
In a past life there must have been some good I’ve done

The ninth song is a beautiful musical message a father is sending out to his daughter. Even with nothing more than our love, we are the lucky ones. You just have to be touched by this song Amos Lee wrote about his greatest gift. Lovely folk music track.

10. When You Go

Take me with you when you go – Amos Lee is doing another very personal, melancholic and sad track on Transmissions. A slight rhythm, some strumming guitars here and there and some strings popping up in the background to make your heart break even harder – the Pennsylvania artist simply knows to set the right atmosphere with just a little bit of instrumental effort.

11. Baby Pictures

The whole story of the Transmission album about breakups and farewells is having its climax on Baby Pictures. Amos Lee desperately states Don’t you go into that light – and you simply feel like grabbing a tissue. Or the desire to hug the artist and support him. If you are currently not in best mental conditions, better skip this one. It is a very emotional five minute listen.

12. Transmissions

Ain’t there something missing? The title track Transmission is closing the album. The country-alike song is at least spreading a bit of a positive outlook at the end of the album.

Get caught up in all these transmissions
Forget to put your keys in the ignition
click on the radio there ain’t no song
You turn around and she’s gone

 

Amos Lee – Transmissions – Spotify

Here is the album on Spotify:

 

Amos Lee – Transmissions – My View

Transmissions is intimate, touching, lyrical, dramatic. It is not an album made to dance and enjoy. Amos Lee is rather striking with his limited, but on point instruments and his storytelling. The songs have an impressing plot. The only reason why you might feel better after listening to this album is because it is really lovely musical craftsmanship. Most of the songs rather turn your emotions down.

Favorite Song: Lucky Ones

 

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