The Canadian Country Spotlight has, for the most part, tackled Canada’s young stars that are on the rise, but now it’s time to sit down and tackle one of the nations most experienced, most decorated artists in veteran Paul Brandt. Brandt, who released his debut project in 1996, remains a commercial force up North, while releasing top-quality music at the same time. The Calgary native has released seven studio albums, two holiday albums, and a live album throughout the course of a career. Without further ado, here are five standout tracks from Mr. Paul Brandt.
“I Was There” (from N/A)
One of Brandt’s finest recordings, is perhaps one of his most overlooked. “I Was There” was never officially sent to radio as a single, but is as good as anything he’s done to-date in his career. “I Was There” is centered around the life of a young hockey player, from early morning practices, to playing in the uber-popular World Junior Hockey Championships. Surrounded by a pulsing production and a strong vocal from Brandt, along with clips from moments such as a Jordan Eberle shootout goal, this Canadian anthem ranks among the best songs out of this lovely country in the past few years.
“Alberta Bound” (from This Time Around)
“Alberta Bound” is more or less the Canadian equivalent of the various patriotic anthems to come out of America (specifically from an artist like Toby Keith). Brandt sings the story of a man who, despite traveling the country following a career in the music industry, will always stay true to his Alberta roots. While the lyrical content might hook you in, it’s the melody, structure, and balanced production that keeps you going back. “Alberta Bound” is a masterpiece, and is the strongest effort in the Paul Brandt discography.
“Give It Away” (from Give It Away)
While the Brandt can certainly deliver killer up and mid-tempos, he can also croon a ballad with the best of them, and “Give It Away” is a shining example of that. With a beautiful message about universal love, and a soaring hook that wonderfully encapsulates the overall theme of the song, “Give It Away” serves as a rare moment of philosophical content from Canada (that’s not a shot at Canadian country, just pointing out that the best stuff out of Canada is usually brilliant in its cleverness, not it’s depth). Paired with an arrangement that’s cohesive from a sonic standpoint, “Give It Away” hits all the right buttons.
“I’m Gonna Fly” (from Small Towns and Big Dreams)
Somewhat of a prequel to “Alberta Bound,” “I’m Gonna Fly” talks about a young man preparing for his life ahead, and reassuring himself that he will see success. In typical Paul Brandt fashion, it feels genuine and close to his heart, making “I’m Gonna Fly” stand out from the pack. Its boot-stomping, upbeat production style and overall good vibe of the record makes “I’m Gonna Fly” fit for repeated listens.
“Forever Summer” (from TBD)
In some ways, “Forever Summer” feels like an anomaly for Brandt. It’s fresh, modern production isn’t what we’re used to from Paul, a guy who usually delivers more traditional leaning records, and yet it’s one of his strongest singles to-date sonically. It twists and turns and pulses in all the right places, along with its melancholy vibe makes it worthy of repeated listens already, but throw in a lyric that on the surface feels like a “The One that Got Away” (Jake Owen) retread, actually tackles a bit of a deeper theme of living in the moment, and not taking a single day for granted. Definitely worth a listen.