American heartland singer-songwriter and pianist Jon McLaughlin –- whose show-stopping live performance of “So Close,” his Oscar-nominated song from the Disney movie Enchanted, was seen worldwide during the 80th annual Academy Awards ceremonies -- released his second Island Records studio album OK Now in 2008. The album includes the amazing single, “Beating My Heart,” (produced by John Fields -- known for the Jonas Brothers, Lifehouse, and Switchfoot). OK Now is a strong follow-up to Jon's 2007 release, Indiana, which scanned over 100K units!
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A SHOCKINGLY UNDERWHELMING SOHPOMORE SLUMP| Posted October 21, 2008
There’s no doubting the immense songwriting talent and musicianship of Jon McLaughlin. Early glimpses, for those in the know, during his independent days yielded a prodigy-like penchant for melody in his late teens that seemed destined for mainstream pop culture. And McLaughlin’s major label debut, Indiana, proved just that with hits like “Human” and “Beautiful Disaster” along with tour dates with Kelly Clarkson and an Oscar performance of “So Close” from Enchanted.
All of which makes OK Now, McLaughlin’s sophomore output on Island/Def Jam, even more disappointing. The bar stood at a significant height post-Indiana, and the ensuing thought was further seasoning and maturity would only enhance the Hoosier native’s distinct piano pop sound. Instead, what we’ve been given is a middling effort marked by out-of-step ’80s-tinged tracks and decent enough ballads.
The “are you sure this is Jon?” tracks are at highway safety worker levels in terms of easiness to spot. “Dance Your Life Away” would make Pat Benatar and Rick Springfield euphoric with its radical ’80s guitar licks. Of course, it’s intended to be that way with lines like “If we can’t dance on the ceiling, we’ll be dancing in the streets.” The other atrocity here, “You Can Never Go Back,” remembers the same far-out decade with its handclap synth work and cheesy chorus.
McLaughlin doesn’t completely veer off course. Lead single “Beating My Heart” rises and falls with his perfect falsetto. “We All Need Saving” stuns with its simplicity and vocal arrangements. “Smack Into You” could stand tall as one of his best ever if the silly verb of “smack” wasn’t a part of it. Instead, it’s a beautiful song scarred by a silly word choice.
No matter, McLaughlin is still a premiere talent and a young one at that. He will move on and so will his fan base. –Matt Conner
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from CCMMagazine.com. Click here to visit CCMMagazine.com today!
it's ok| Posted May 28, 2009
I was disappointed with Jon McLauglin's follow up to his amazing album "Indiana." He is still a gifted individual, especially on the piano, but I thought this project was lacking.
The main problem I had is that he changed is style of music. He went from accustic/pinao/jazz vibe to singing pop. Maybe he changed his style because "pop" seems to be huge, at the moment, but he should have stayed to his roots. I miss the accustic/piano sound that he brought on the first project. Also I could relate to many of the lyrics on his first project, not so much on his latest.
For people who never heard of McLauglin prior to this cd, maybe this upbeat pop vibe works for you, but for fans of Indiana this is not the same music that fans (such as myself) came to like about him. He is very gifted and I look forward to future projects by him, but if he doesn't go back to his roots and keeps selling out as a pop artist I will not bother.
It really is "OK Now"| Posted October 15, 2008
Jon McLaughlin has scored a hit this sophomore album. With its electronic beats and calm, cool piano, "OK Now" brings to mind One Republic's "Dreaming Out Loud". As always, the lyrics are thought provoking and the melodies will stick with you.
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