Los Angeles, California based artist and producer, Luke Angelo has released his long-anticipated debut album, "Dreams I Remember", a collection of songs written in his teenage years that have been patiently waiting to be heard by the world.
TRACKLIST
Concord
People That You Knew
5 More Hours
Out Of My League
The Pool
insideoutsideways
I Hope It Rains In LA
In Your Way
Luke Angelo is a music professional and chameleon, taking on the titles of music producer, composer, touring musician, mastering engineer, music teacher, and vocal arranger. He began his musical journey at the tender age of three when he started playing piano, going on to produce his own original music at only age ten. When he was a freshman in high school, his production skills earned him an opportunity to work with rapper Phife Dawg, known from the hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest. He's also a jazz expert, having won multiple awards for his jazz related compositions and performance contributions. After high school, he attended the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Production. Now, after many years of holding on to his original music, he's finally ready to release it into the world and debut as a recording artist. His first ever album, which we are covering today, "Dreams I Remember", is an eight-track project of works originally written in his teenage years. Acting as a time capsule of sorts, these songs are a reminder of where it all began for Luke in his journey as a growing artist and how far he has come; not only that, but it's also a reminder that just because a song was written a long time ago, doesn't mean you can't still release it! Music is timeless, and these songs deserve to be heard.
Concord
We kick off the album with "Concord", a song about hometown blues. Just because everyone else is okay with being stuck in the same place their whole lives, repeating history with the same jobs and habits as their parents, doesn't mean that you have to. Named after the city of Concord, California, this song tells a very detailed story that helps you imagine what it's like to grow up there. It's very relatable to anyone with big dreams and ambitions, who feels trapped in a small town full of people who just don't seem to understand what else is out there in the world. "Concord" starts off with an ear-catching acoustic guitar riff, slowly building with drums until it becomes a full blown indie pop song with power pop and classic rock influence, a bit reminiscent of The Beach Boys. There's a bittersweetness to the mood and tone, as you want to get up and dance around to the addicting music but there's a desperation of wanting to get out and away from this place.
People That You Knew
Next, we have "People That You Knew", which was Luke's first ever single release in anticipation for this album! This track takes more of an experimental and electronic approach, while still keeping indie pop roots. With deep, poetic lyricism, the refrain that gets repeated throughout really solidifies the emotional meaning of the song: "Life's a movie made for you, by the people that you knew". The soundscape is full of synths, layers of vocals and heavy reverb, creating this ethereal experience that you can't help but just close your eyes and appreciate. It's a true work of art! If I had to compare it to something, I'd say if you're a fan of Foster The People, you'd definitely love this one. According to Luke, there's even a hidden song within this song that he calls "You Will Never Be Forever". Take a listen and see if you can point it out!
5 More Hours
"5 More Hours" is about those horrible nights when you're trying to get over somebody. Even though separating might've seemed like the best idea at the time, it's hard to get used to being without someone that has been around you for so long. Their smell doesn't just go away from your home; you find their hair still stuck to your bed sheets, and trying to sleep by yourself for the first time in a long time is an absolute nightmare. What used to be breakfast time together is now mornings lying awake all alone. You can't help but wonder if they're struggling as much as you are, or if they've already moved on. "5 More Hours" has a super catchy and nostalgic pop groove. It starts off with a smooth guitar solo, which adds a little soft rock essence.
Out Of My League
"Out Of My League" is a pure feel-good song about what it's like to be so head over heels in love with someone to the point that you're unsure if you're even good enough to be in their presence. When you're around them, the rest of the world disappears. You're just so mesmerized by them that sometimes you get lost in their eyes and don't even hear a word they're saying. The sound and style of this song is nostalgic pop/rock and feels straight out of an 80's teen rom-com movie, in the best way possible. It has a super catchy hook, showing off Luke's vocal abilities, flipping into a stunning falsetto. It's a highly addicting track, so be prepared for it to be stuck in your head!
The Pool
"The Pool" is a high-emotion, diverse ballad that switches between a folk-inspired pop groove and a super heavy rock timbre. The song itself is about those kind of nights where all you need is just some peace and quiet. You want to sit in the dark, dip your feet in the pool, take in the cool Summer air, and maybe have someone to talk to, just to let it all out with no judgement or second thoughts. Just one night where nothing has to matter, and you can let everything go. In "The Pool", the verses have a catchy stomping beat and a down-strummed guitar, while the chorus has a heavy electric guitar and crashing drums. Right before the bridge, there's a guitar solo that really hits in the feels. The bridge changes keys, and just really takes you to a whole other place. You have to hear it to know what I mean. I love the way this song weaves, changing styles and dynamics throughout, not sticking to one specific thing. It's very unique and admirable.
insideoutsideways
"insideoutsideways" is about falling hard for someone who doesn't feel the same, but they're sticking around anyway. You're so conflicted with your thoughts and feelings going all over the place. You don't understand why they bother staying if they don't love you, and you don't understand why you bother letting them mess with your head. "insideoutsideways" is a dreamy, indie rock song with 60's vibes. There's layers of guitar and reverb with a groove that takes you back. The tone reminds you of Summertime, and is contradicting to the difficult topic of the lyrics.
I Hope It Rains In LA
"I Hope It Rains In LA" is a stunning, acoustic lo-fi love ballad. With vinyl crackles in the background, a gorgeous picking pattern on acoustic guitar plays, with bright and dissonant notes ringing in the air. Luke sings a story, with hope of the rare but not impossible - rain in Southern California. In this song, there's a long distance lover who unfortunately has to leave on a plane, but of course neither of them want her to leave. All they can hope for is a miracle to get that flight delayed. This song is so simply done, yet it's rawness is what makes it one of the most emotional.
In Your Way
Lastly, we have "In Your Way", an inspiring final track about not letting anything get you down. This song is influenced by blues, soul, and jazz utilizing a smooth groove, classic tones and instruments, and harmonic vocal arrangements to really amp up the emotion. It's a nice blend reminiscent of John Mayer and Jason Mraz, really emphasizing blues notes, soulful vocals, and a very full soundscape of real instrumentation. "In Your Way" is a reminder that no matter how hard life may seem, you can't let things or people get, well, "in your way". You are in full control of yourself and the outcome that you get. Sometimes that seems easier said than done, but you just have to play the game of life, have fun with it, and you will find a way to win.
Luke Angelo has many titles to his name, but one he doesn't have listed is a songwriter or lyricist - and I think he should. The storytelling on "Dreams I Remember" is impeccable! Now, when you mix that with the addicting melodies and catchy instrumental grooves, you get a flawless album. These songs are so highly impressive; each one sounds like their own universe and style, but yet also sound like they still belong on an album together. When you think about how these songs were written quite some time ago, it makes you wonder what else Luke Angelo has under his belt for the future. This is still only the beginning for Luke Angelo, so make sure to follow him on his socials below to see what's to come!
Written By Kaitlyn Nicole
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