Ryan Star’s Angels + Animals
By SethM
Up until a few years ago I would have compared Ryan Star to Train in one respect. I’d tell people I loved Train and had been listening to them for years and they’d get blank looks on their faces and ask, “Who’s Train, I never heard of them.” Of course I would reply that I’d bet they had heard the band ~ hits like “When I Look to the Sky,” “Calling All Angels,” “Drops of Jupiter,” etc., etc. ~ and just didn’t realize it. The same holds true for Ryan Star.
Well, for those who don’t think they know who Ryan Star is, you might want to think again. Watch reality TV? Ryan was on the 2nd season of “Rock Star” with Tommy Lee and Dave Navarro where he came close to winning. He’s also been on “The Tonight Show,” “The Rachael Ray Show,” and has had songs featured in various television shows and sporting events. Go to concerts? He’s opened for the previously mentioned Train, Bon Jovi, The Script, Goo Goo Dolls and many other top artists. Did I mention he’s had a couple hits you’d recognize, too? Chances are pretty good you’ve heard him and probably like him but just don’t know it…yet.
Hailing from Dix Hills Long Island, Ryan’s had a pretty successful career so far, signed with both Atlantic and Island records, but today, January 14th, 2014, he releases his fan funded album Angels + Animals ~ yup, that’s right, fan funded. After self-promotion pushed his 2012 “Stay Awhile” into a radio hit, he released his Animals EP with no label and it landed on one of the iTunes top ten charts. With that success under his belt, he turned to fans for the funding of Angels + Animals and ~ really no surprise with his dedicated fan base ~ it worked!
Angels + Animals, featuring 11 tracks + 1 remix, is Star’s first shot at creating a concept album which centers around the love of his wife. After listening to an advance copy twice I would offer that there’s no high production, no fancy overdubs; it’s stripped down (for the most part) Ryan Star music. The opening track, “Sailing On,” reminded me, from a vocal perspective, of Neil Diamond~ to whom I always thought Star sounded similar. “World I Used to Know” is a full-sounding, anthem type track and right through “Impossible” and “I Will Survive,” as well as other tracks, I was reminded of Bruce Springsteen and Cold Play. “Bullet” starts off mellow like many of the other songs on Angels but then breaks into a more upbeat track. In my opinion, “Bullet” and some of the other writing is reminiscent of Duncan Sheik ~ remember him, another silent and prolific hit maker?
Overall, Angels + Animals is a solid 11 tracks and the remix of “Impossible” is a definite highlight. Take a listen on Itunes or just buy the album today for $7.99.
Although Star is good on the album he’s very engaging and great live so if you’re in New York City/Metro area and want a treat, catch him tonight (1/14/14) for an Angels + Animals special release show at the intimate Bowery Ballroom in NYC.