Review: David Brookings "Glass Half Full"

It seems like only yesterday we covered singer/songwriter David Brookings' "Obsessed" release (review here). But the prolific Brookings is back already with a new CD comprised of 14 pop treats. "Glass Half Full" is just as good as "Obsessed" - if not, better - brimming with a sunny outlook and shimmering melodies to match.

Brookings sounds more and more like the long lost son of one of the Beach Boys. His gentle voice just coasts and glides over the catchy guitars, and he throws in plenty of harmonies to boot. On his latest, it is evident that Brookings' lyrical themes are beginning to mature, as he now references the need to get babysitters and even has a closing track entitled, "Gettin Older".

Every song is wonderfully catchy and has the power to change your mood for the better. The top half of "Glass Half Full" is probably one of the strongest starts to any of his records so far (his 5th solo album), with radio-friendly gems like "Don't Wake Me Up" and "This Time Its For Real". Brookings doesn't slow things down often, but the dazzling ballad "Flashlight Love" might make you wish he did a little more. The happy-go-lucky feel of "One Lonely Word" makes it my favorite of the bunch.

Fans of 60s and 70s pop songwriting need to drink from the cup David Brookings offers on "Glass Half Full". Good to the last drop!

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 13, 14

David Brookings on MySpace. Official site. Get it.

Check out a video of him performing "I Wish I Could Be With You":

Review: David Brookings "Obsessed"

"Obsessed" (2007) marks David Brooking's fourth release, and this singer/songwriter is truly deserving of a big break to launch him into the national spotlight. David has all the markings of the next Scot Sax, Branden Blake, or Warren Zanes, but is more overtly influenced by the sunny pop of the 70s. Each track is a mini-pop masterpiece, instantly burning a memory into your brain. It is hard to listen to the disc and not emerge from the experience in a better, happier mood.

Aside from designing some cool melodies and harmonies that would make the Partridge Family envious, David plays all the guitars and piano on this release...a genuine multi-talent. Things blast into action with "I'm Not Afraid," an infectious melodic pop rocker. Most of us who love to create music as much as we enjoy listening to it will find a lot they can relate to in the title track. Harpsichord is an unexpected but effective addition onto the quirky pop track, "What's Wrong With Nikki?", making this one sound more Partridge Family than ever. I favor the more straight up pop rock feel of "I'm Not Afraid" and "Get Behind Me", but the beautifully simple acoustic ditty "McKinley Gail" (a sweet tribute to his newborn daughter) and the hauntingly memorable "When It Goes Down" help round out the CD so not every track sounds the same, but still retain David's trademark sound.

It is my sincere hope that David's "obsession" never fades. It would be a substantial loss to the power pop community.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 4, 5, 10-12

David Brookings on MySpace. Official site.