By: Lauren Kirk

            Akron native Scott Stein relocated to New York in 2007, where he continues to fine-tune his career as a singer and pianist. 2009 brought Stein’s professional debut, Jukebox. The seven song LP is soft, smooth, and poetic. Rich lyrics  “Whiskey and traffic lights can’t wash my true colors out…” blend nicely with the beats, neither overshadowing, as each song highlights a variety of instruments ranging from a Fender Rhodes and a cello, to a glockenspiel. Stein’s voice is clear and deliberate, as patient as a preschool teacher, allowing emotion to sink into every song. His lyrics are never muddled or lost. 

            The seven songs on Jukebox all hit with different tempos and styles, but Stein’s voice is the force that keeps it all together. It is easy to see why these songs were selected for the release. The faster songs are danceable while the slower tracks are perfect to sing along to, particularly Everytime I Fall. This song could be the perfect wrap up to an evening out with friends or a solo sing-along in the car. The duet, Saturday Saturday, with Shanna Zell, is an emotional track, reminding you of all the relationships you had that never materialized. The opening track Cheap Red Wine is an instant attention grabber due to a conversational, easy tone that makes it impossible to resist the urge to tap your feet and learn every word. Stein’s piano skills are highlighted throughout.

            For fans of singer-songwriters, this introspective album is full of substance. There is a song here that will force even the most hardened listener to sing and bob their head.

 

Listen to Scott Stein here.