2012-2013 seems to be the year of the “British invasion.” With artists like Ed Sheeran, One Direction, and Cher Lloyd, new British artists are popping up left and right. Now, it looks like it’s time to add one more to the list.
20-year-old singer/Youtuber Conor Maynard released his first album, “Contrast,” on Jan. 8.
The Brighton, England native started posting Youtube videos in 2006. He did covers of songs by artists like Chris Brown, Taio Cruz, and Rihanna. Alongside him was his friend, Anthony Melo, who also sang and rapped.
Similar to Justin Bieber’s story of getting discovered by Usher, Maynard also got noticed by a significant someone. After singer Ne-Yo watched the video of him singing his song, “Beautiful Monster,” he got in touch with Maynard and became his mentor. In February of 2012 he got signed to Parlophone Records.
The term “overnight sensation” doesn’t fit Maynard just yet, but the time span from him getting signed to his first album does seem short. The 12 tracks on the album give off a feel-good vibe and it’s not bad for a first timer. Artists like Pharrell, Rita Ora, and Ne-Yo are also featured on the album.
However, it’s not really something to be screaming over. The album is great, but not perfect. Even though his current single is “Turn Around,” the catchiest song on the CD would have to be “Another One.” Maybe it’s just me, but the feel of “Turn Around” is cheesy and sounds like it belongs at the end of a Nicholas Sparks movie.
One song that impressed me was “Mary Go Round,” and not just because of the creative title. It explains the situation of having problems in a relationships and all you two are doing is going around in circles. It’s an issue that almost everyone can relate to and Maynard does a good job of telling so through his lyrics.
I’m not going to lie; I had no clue who Conor Maynard was before now, and I dove into this album with a clean slate. After listening to his first CD, I’m definitely looking forward to new music from him, and his songs are something that you can listen to anytime, anywhere.
