Anyone who is a fan of “Dancing with the Stars” knows Mark Ballas and Derek Hough, but, they may not know exactly how multi-talented these guys are.
Not only are they champion dancers, but, they also have loved music since they were small. This love led to playing music as well as writing.
I admire their commitment both to their music as well as to their friendship. Somehow, doing what you love with someone you are best friends with really adds to the chemistry and enhances the experience. That exuberance is pleasantly infectious.
I was given the opportunity by One2One Network to review Ballas Hough Band’s debut cd, BHB. The band features Mark and Derek on guitar and vocals, Emily Grace on keyboards/vocals, as well as Sam Marder on bass and Harry Sullivan on drums. They are a tight-knit group who have been friends and talented music mates for some time now.
What’s great is that Mark and Derek have written and collaborated on most of the songs which adds authenticity.
As Derek says, “it’s not like we looked through a catalog”.
This is the type of cd that grows on you. I am not a huge pop music fan, but the more I listen to the songs, the more I enjoy them.
The mood is very uptempo and is great for dancing. I also found it’s excellent for working out or for cleaning house. It really is high-energy and upbeat.
Their sound, for me, is like a combination of George Michael and Wham, Michael Jackson, and Prince – with a hint of Marc Anthony thrown in. It is the type of cd that I feel would definitely appeal to a young crowd, but, that doesn’t mean all ages can’t enjoy it.
It’s feel-good music.
Matt Collar from All Music Guide, in his review, says the cd “should draw favorable comparisons to such similarly inclined outfits as Maroon 5 and The Jonas Brothers”.
The cd begins with “Do You Love Me” which is very current, head bopping music.
“Devastated” is catchy, about the ups and downs of love. I really like
the harmonies in this.
I am also a fan of “Closer” and its rhythms.
There are a lot of good songs to enjoy here.
The first single, “Do It For You”, was co-written by Kara DioGuardi.
My favorite of the cd is definitely “Underwater. For me, it’s the most moving and has a slow sensual feel, almost dreamlike.
Overall, BHB is the type of cd you want to crank up and play anytime you want to jam.
BHB is like cotton candy – light, tasty, fun and leaves you smiling.
Check them out at Amazon
and at their website
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