Today’s review features returning customer John Michael Ferrari and his new single “Breaking Up Inside.” While just typing that sentence, my spell check defaulted to “Breaking Bad”. I wonder if that’s an omen? LOL
John Michael Ferrari pens emotional storytelling songs about life’s experiences with sophistication and childlike wonder. Ferrari is a highly acclaimed singer-songwriter and entertainer who loves being on stage.
“There’s never a stranger in the audience.” – John Michael Ferrari
In prior reviews of Ferrari’s work, I have praised him and his team for “Excellent performances and production.” Stating, “Ferrari is an experienced songwriter who understands how to craft a song to deliver emotional impact where the music matches the lyrics. If you like well-crafted jazzy folk songs, this is your golden ticket.” And that Ferrari’s new album is “a master class in songwriting. Every song moves in interesting ways – like a belly dancer for your ears. You’ll very much enjoy this sonic listening experience. And, ultimately, that’s what it’s all about.”
I have had the honor of getting to know and hear Ferrari’s work in my job here at Music Review World. John Michael Ferrari is a songwriter’s songwriter in the tradition of John Prine and Townes Van Zandt.
So let’s have a listen to his new single …
The song starts with a lovely piano riff. It sounds a bit like the start of a Christmas song. Then the horn comes in, descending into the first verse. Ferrari’s rhyming is exceptional. This sounds like a classic song from the 1920-1940 period, where songwriters in the Brill Building and on Tin Pan Alley crafted songs for the famous artists of the day. This song is brilliant.
The song has a lovely arrangement, and the period instrumentation is dead on. The piano does most of the work, but the horns and backing vocals are a close second. Loving the steady brush of the drums, the horn solo in the middle, with the piano keeping stride underneath. The chorus follows the bridge, and the song’s fade begins and ends with a tickle of the keys.
SCORE/Outstanding: John Michael Ferrari delivers a songwriting masterpiece with his new single “Breaking Up Inside.” A lovely crooner’s song, full of ear candy, and exceptional writing and production. Treat yourself to a listen, you’ll love yourself more. Much love, Beth
[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]
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