Music like this is medicine right now. The world thinks it begin coming up for air after drowning for over a year only to be swept away, at least in part, by unseen waves. There’s no doubt countless families and individuals are reeling from unthinkable losses. A song entitled “Happiness” for some, may sound like a bad joke. Ed Roman meets the moment, however, with this new song. It isn’t difficult to tell with a single listen that the music and words alike connect with Roman in such a way it hyper-charges his already peaking talents. There is no doubt that he is bringing every ounce of possible commitment to this performance.
You hear it in various ways. The enthusiasm in his singing lights a fuse for each line and Roman takes full advantage of the cut’s combustible possibilities. It simmers with energy from the beginning and quickly builds momentum, but you can hear Roman’s artistry as well. He’s careful to never bite off more than he can chew with the song’s development and understands it will only improve the track if he orchestrates things right.
It never feels plotted out however. “Happiness” unfolds in much the way you expect, Roman really doesn’t thread any surprises into this performance, but many listeners will decide they didn’t need any to begin with. “Happiness” is, among other things, unquestionably sincere. There are no tricks or emotional manipulations designed to elicit a response; what holds your attention, instead, is the message and Roman’s pure joy making music.
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The production, despite Roman’s under the mainstream radar status, has all the hallmarks of a five star production. Each of the instruments has clarity and a clearly defined slot in the mix yet, in the end, its disparate elements unite in an impressive package. The even-handed slant he adopts for this song never favors one instrument, even vocals, at the expense of another. “Happiness” leaves no stone unturned satisfying listeners and lingers in your memory long after it ends.
Melody helps make that possible. The effective and simple central melody powering “Happiness” is an apt musical expression of the song title without ever veering into overwrought territory. It’s interesting to hear the verve running through this recording that is, nonetheless, tempered by a skillful use of dynamics. Ed Roman knows what buttons he should push and when to press.
It’s part of what makes him a special performer and writer. He has style and skill that doesn’t announce itself with trumpets, beating its figurative chest, but wins you over with its musicality and heart. “Happiness” abounds in those qualities. It’s an antidote for one of the most difficult eras in recent history and reminds us, as if we need to be, of the productive influence artists such as this can have in a restless and reeling world. COVID or not, however, this song would make an impact in even the best of times. Great music has a redemptive quality capable of transcending current events and transporting us to another world. Thank G-d for that.
Troy Johnstone