‘Songs For You’ a contrived start for an immature artist
November 5, 2015
As an adoring Ed Sheeran fan, I am no stranger to the story of a young boy with a voice, a guitar and a huge dream. It’s inspiring, really.
At just 15 years old, Ray Goren is a singer-songwriter and industry newcomer who has been praised for his talents. He recently released a five-song EP entitled “Songs For You.” With hopes for a future Sheeran, I expected a lot from this artist.
Those Days: As soon as the song began, I was surprised to hear the country-esque instruments. For a country song, it’s pretty basic—as in pretty tacky. Somewhere in this monotonous mess was an electric guitar solo that was so out of place that I thought I had accidentally started playing another song in the background.
Light My Fire: If anything, this song made me feel uncomfortable. The lyrics seemed to be a weak, 15-year-old boy’s attempt at being seductive. There was also more unnecessary electric guitar.
Down & Out: Imagine you’re at homecoming. The night has been full of outdated music, you’re just so thankful the DJ forgot about “Gangnam Style.” And finally, it’s time for the slow dance. You take your date in your arms and the lights go down and what else could this terrible DJ play but “Down & Out?” That’s all I can say. However, this was my least hated on the album, so props to you, Goren, for making bad slow dances only 99% unbearable.
Song for Me: The worst. The lyrics praise Goren himself for a whopping three minutes and 36 seconds, of which I could only get through the first third.
It’s on You: The only things worth noting about this song are the ridiculous lyrical stretches in which he tried so hard to make rhymes. Not to mention, by this point in the album, the unnecessary electric guitar has evolved into unnecessary trumpets.
Ray Goren has potential, without a doubt. But not everybody is a Sheeran, ready for the stadium lights during high school years. If he released an EP in a couple of years, after some experiences that could inspire some more meaningful lyrics, I would definitely give him a second chance. But for now, Goren, please tone it down.
