4 months ago 14th Aug 15:24
Released October 7
A great deal has happened to Jon McLaughlin between the release of his debut album Indiana last year, and his new, sophomore effort, Ok Now.
When we last saw him, the 25-year-old singer/songwriter was giving a show-stopping performance of the Oscar-nominated So Close, the song he sang in the hit Disney movie Enchanted, on the worldwide telecast of the 80th Annual Academy Awards ceremony.
And after getting major touring slots with Sara Bareilles, Paolo Nutini and Kelly Clarkson, along with dates with Colbie Caillat, Duffy and One Republic under his belt, Jon McLaughlin hit his stride on the road.
Flushed with that success, McLaughlin entered an L.A. recording studio last year intent on undergoing both a musical and stylistic transformation. The heartland piano player expanded his palette by working with new producer John Fields (Rooney, Jonas Brothers, Lifehouse, Switchfoot), co-writing with the likes of Jason Reeves (Colbie Callait’s Bubbly) as well as writer/producers Tricky and The-Dream (Rihanna’s Umbrella), Troy Verges (Kenny Chesney’s You Save Me) and Brett James (Carrie Underwood’s Jesus, Take The Wheel).
Jon describes himself as a "child of the ‘80s" in talking about the musical direction of Ok Now, with the very first single, Beating My Heart, the perfect example, an introspective, existential tune about nothing less than the meaning of life, with an elaborate pop-rock production that evokes Coldplay, thanks to soaring synths and a crackling backbeat.
With producer Fields playing bass, drums, slide guitar and a variety of other instruments, McLaughlin also enlisted the talents of ace players such as guitarists Tim Pierce and David Ryan Harris, as well as drummer Dorian Crozier in the studio.
Smack Into You, written and produced by Grammy winners Tricky and The-Dream, is about falling head over heels in love, a combination of the Police’s Every Breath You Take and U2’s With Or Without You, melding acoustic guitar and McLaughlin’s piano to create a passionate undertow. "This song has such a great groove and is so fun to play live," says Jon. "It creates such a special moment in the room."
More about Jon McLaughlin - Ok Now on page 2
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