When I talked to Tyler Hilton two years ago, we were both excited to share the music on his upcoming record which, at the time, was called The Storms We Share. I don’t think either of us expected that it would be another two years before his highly anticipated third studio album would be released.

When we spoke, Tyler was extemely excited to share the record because it was such a new experience for him vocally.  Now that I’ve heard it, i can hear it.  ”Loaded Gun” showcases Tyler’s trademark sandpaper voice and is a little bit edgier and sexier than he’s ever sounded vocally as he sings, “Stay away from my trigger/I’m a loaded gun…”

The album is well-rounded in terms of it’s emotional content.  Songs like “Leave Him” and “Can’t Stop Now” expose melancholic feelings about relationships, while “I Belong” touches on the feeling of being a strong relationship and “You’ll Ask For Me” speaks of the hopefulness that comes with the yearning of young unrequited love.

I really like this record because I can tell Tyler put a lot of his passion into it.  Kind of like a “go all in or all out” kind of a deal.  He is on the ball when it comes to writing unique, incomparable music.  My only critique is that some of the vocal stretching goes a little far – “Ain’t No Fooling Me” feels a little bit overstressed, but not to the point of being completely frustrating.  I can appreciate that he tried to use his voice in a new way.

The Verdict: I’m always supportive of an artist who is willing to take a chance and stretch himself just a little bit farther than before.  This is a strong record from a really awesome, genuinely passionate musician.  Check it out.

Noteworthy tracks:
“Kicking My Heels”
“Loaded Gun”
“You’ll Ask For Me”
“Can’t Stop Now”