Yotam Ben Horin
Photo on previous page: benpalhov
Yotam Ben Horin has recently released his new album, Young Forever… So let’s have a quick whistle stop tour of this record!
The song, “Back to the Start” is a timeless classic. Based on an upbeat finger pattern on an acoustic guitar and mellotron, the structure is straightforward. In some ways, it is similar to The Eagles and Bread.
The album's pace picks up on “In Between the Highs and Lows,” which also takes the music in a more radio-friendly pop direction. The track has a festive feel, thanks to the trumpets. Similarly, “Young Forever” is another pop number and has a more American early 2000s feel to it.
“Here with Me” returns to quiet, thoughtful signwriting. Here, in my opinion, is where Yotam shines, over the finger picking, mellotron, and soft background vocals.
“Leopard” leads us to the pop-rock genre's more contemplative side and is driven by snappy drumming and traditional indie chord progressions. The strummed acoustic song, “Santa Monica Pier,” has intriguing lyrics that will have you picturing yourself on the beach.
The more I hear these quieter songs by Yotam, the more I think that the Beatles are a major influence on him. “Boy With Glasses” is a fragile ballad. “Pessimistic Heart” takes us back to that radio-friendly pop sound from the early 2000s, much like “Young Forever” did. The song is performed at a rapid pace and is a decent, radio-friendly pop song; however, “Go” is my favourite number on this album. It is a short sweet ballad.
Finally, “Across The Sea” is the album curtain closer. This is a really good pop number with some creative tempo changes and dynamic conversions.
This is a broad, diverse production. Overall, the album demonstrates Yotam's range as a songwriter and his wonderful voice.