| Unexpected Change - J. Michael Harter | |
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Reviewed by Jolene Downs
New artist J. Michael Harter has released his debut album, Unexpected Change, on Broken Bow Records and already has a hit single under his belt. Released to radio on May 6, 2002, "Hard Call to Make" climbed steadily up the charts and made people wonder who the talent was behind the song. While outward appearances may not suggest a "country" state of mind, J. Michael can hold his own in the country music field. At 15, J. Michael shunned formal guitar lessons; instead, he preferred using the more informal method of some sheet music and a stack of CD's to try and imitate. That method seemed to work well for him, because by age 20 he was on his way from Arizona to Nashville to see what he could do. Along with his talent behind the microphone, he also is a talented songwriter.
This album was very enjoyable to listen to. It has an even tempo throughout the CD and the lyrics draw you into the song. Three of the songs were written or co-written by J. Michael. For the young man who credits Garth Brooks, George Strait and Ronnie Milsap among his musical influences, success has been achieved.
"Hard Call to Make" was the second track on the album and is the first single release. It is a truly moving song about some of the harder choices in life. The end of the song finds him forced to make a decision of whether or not to remove his father from life support. It's a hard call to make.
I enjoyed "Sugar and Gasoline." It had a slightly more "driven" sound to it, and was sort of sassy. It talks of him being in love with someone that has a temper. One minute like sugar and the next minute as explosive as gasoline. But he still loves her.
"On My Way Home" is a song with a double meaning. It seems to be talking about heading home from a day at wherever the job may be. If you really listen to the lyrics, you might wonder if home is symbolic of heaven. Someplace we strive to end up during life's road to home.
"Everything in Arizona" is a song written by J. Michael. As he was making the move from Arizona to Nashville, this song came to him. He was torn between his love for a girl in Arizona and his love for Nashville. He made the choice for Nashville. The song has him so torn up that he turns around and says goodbye to Tennessee. In real life, he stayed with Tennessee.
I think my favorite song on the album is "The First Time." It has somewhat of a haunted quality to it and was also written by J. Michael. He is so in love that every time is like the first time. It is just a beautiful song.
The bottom line is that this is a great album. He is going to have to record an exceptional sophomore album to top this one. He definitely leans toward the traditional sound, and tries to stay true to the roots of country music. I think anyone who enjoys the relaxing side of country and traditional sound will enjoy it.
Song List:
- If You Never Loved
- Hard Call To Make
- Sugar And Gasoline
- On My Way Home
- Everything In Arizona
- Who You're Lovin' Now
- You're In The Right Place
- Losing You
- Somewhere In California
- The First Time
Album cover used with permission of Broken Bow Records.