Michael Allen is one of those musical acts you don’t immediately think of in popular culture. But once you listen to his new album, Come Along for the Ride, he immediately feels like a permanent fixture in quality performance. Someone who through the power of increasingly self-representing acts and internet personalities is able to stand out on the basis of pure merit. This is proving to be one of the most exciting periods in media and entertainment, alternative talent having an unprecedented opportunity to bask in the sun.
Allen’s unique calling card is his unapologetic openness about his faith, using his music as something of a connector to the audience. Nothing comes across as preachy or like out-and-out proselytizing, but themes and mores are naturally communicated in smoky, edgy tracks that simultaneously capitalize on a unique mood. It almost feels reminiscent of film-noir. Allen comes across a genuine artist, not someone motivated by nostalgia or wanting to belong to certain niches. Come Along for the Ride isn’t necessarily original in and of itself, it belongs to a long lineage of alternative music acts capitalizing on the singer-songwriter trope.
What makes Allen stand out is his evocative lyricism, plus his slightly uncanny performance as a musician. He’s not interested in perfection, but rather encapsulation – creating a kind of singular listening experience evoking a mood, a place.
Alka Jamo at BiographyWeb describes Allen’s presence as indicative of his being “…one of the finest storytellers to grace the art of music with his presence and a musician who, for decades on end, has gone through an incredible process of creative development and personal spiritual awakening.” Jamo then elaborates, “Born and raised when real revolution happened in music, Michael is the product of the most brilliant golden age of rock and roll, soaking up the essence of the most amazing bands who graced the stage of history in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s and becoming part of his unique musical heritage forevermore.
It was simply a delight to come across Michael and his incredible artistry. Finally, on September 10th, Michael blessed us with his new single entitled ‘Come Along For The Ride,’ which is just another proof of his genius and the culmination of his heritage, musicianship, and storytelling skills.”
Now sporting a full-length album, Allen continues to build upon his skillset as a performer. He’s able to be compelling both as a student of the craft, and someone interested in forging his own sound while adhering to certain tenets of that tradition. The music he makes very much feels like a retrospective of the kind of craft informing acts like The Band, The Doors, or Christopher Cross. Specifically a kind of storytelling in music form, where each of the songs are about actual communication with the audience, not just entertaining with pop hooks.
The natural extensions regarding Allen’s deep and abiding faith inserted into this are another feather in his cap. The fact he can balance so many elements while making things feel natural and relaxed is a testament to his mastery as an artist. I’ll be looking forward to following his career, seeing him continue to expand his already considerable catalogue.
Trace Whittaker