Nicholas David
More Than Music
Wake The World
More Than Music, the new album from Nicholas David, escorts listeners on a journey through all the aspects of life and the finality of death.
Talking about the album and its title, David says, “This is my first record since a series of personal things — not just with me but with Dylan Nau, my guitarist. We both lost family members. He lost his dad, I lost my grandmother. In between life and death, there’s more than music — that’s a pretty good summary of where we’re both at and a fitting title for the new record.”
While growing up, David studied piano and listened to jazz and classical music. A bit later, he discovered the world of pop music. In 2004, he began releasing albums. In 2012, David took third place on NBC’s The Voice. Popular with The Voice’s viewing audience, after the season finale, a compilation of David’s performances on The Voice was released.
Since then, he’s released three long players, including More Than Music, which encompasses a dozen tracks. Entry points include opener “One 2 Run,” a low-slung, lusciously flavored alt-country/Americana melody that flows like warm Velveeta and features tinctures of captivating gospel aromas, especially on the outro.
A personal favorite because of its undulating motion and heavier-than-usual harmonies, “Spark” reveals scents of quixotic feelings marinated in yearning wistfulness. Another favorite and perhaps the most moving song on the album, “United” travels on soft, crying harmonics with resonant dark accents. There’s a lingering warmth to the vocals as David tries to figure out life and people.
On the drifting, bluesy gospel song “Cool, Calm, Crazy,” David shows off a tender compassion that sends shivers up and down listeners’ spines. The oozing bray of the organ imbues the melody with yummy aching sensations. Whereas if “Waiting” doesn’t bring tears to your eyes because of its simple, creamy beauty, there’s something wrong with you.
“Makin’ money” closes the album with an upbeat blend of reggae tangs fused with rock, resulting in a seductive, tropical song with a pop bop to it.
The title of Nicholas David’s album — More Than Music — is more than appropriate because it’s an album of more than music — it’s an album with a beautiful soul.
