If there's one thing that 'Part of it All' achieves, it's in proving that Kris Gruen has a talent for 'classic' songwriting. Simple, melodic and tightly-structured tunes with distinct choruses that sweep the listener along are his speciality. It also shows that beneath the accessible folk-pop musical stylings lies a complex and thoughtful man who isn't afraid to address darker aspects of life. That said, Gruen isn't so brash as to sing about domestic violence, war or loneliness over chirpy swinging singalongs either, and while there are love songs to be found on this album, it's not the usual up / down, either / or happy and in love / split up and wallowing that he concerns himself with. Instead, Gruen displays a much broader emotional range, and communicates regret, remorse, bitterness, alienation.
Far from being a bouncy party tune, 'Euphoria' is an elegant, delicate vignette depicting a couple falling apart badly, while 'Memoir' is a bittersweet reflection on the passage of time that still manages to pack a toe-tapping chorus. There's a sense of dissatisfaction, of frustration and of disappointment that permeates 'Part of it All', and while the uplifting choruses suggest otherwise, one gets the impression that, often, Gruen wants no part in any of it.
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While the phrase 'finely-crafted' crops up with indecent frequency, Gruen's songs really are carefully and intelligently composed. What's more, unlike so any other singer songwriter types, Gruen has something to say, and does so articulately and with a lightness of touch. Consequently, 'Part of it All' is worth paying proper attention to and listening to for the lyrics, which are poignant and really tug at the heartstrings.
Kris Gruen Online
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