There’s always room in life for a song about what it’s like to fall in love …a song that expresses that joyous je ne sais quoi: peppy, innocent lyrics that bounce above the music.
In the early 80s, it was Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl,” and today’s rendition is “Brand New,” by Nashville singer/songwriter Ben Rector, which is making solid gains on adult pop radio and landed in last week’s Top 30. Buoyed by an up-tempo, energetic beat, it features lyrics that reflect the song’s positive spirit.
“It’s the way that I feel when I’m with you, brand new.”
“Uptown Girl” also had a driving beat with a message, and even though Billy Joel was all about attitude and street smarts, and Ben Rector communicates an innocent hopefulness, both express that ineffable feeling of brand new love.
Ben Rector background: He’s 30-years old, born in Tulsa, college at U. of Arkansas. This is his 6th album in as many years.