Album Review: Songs I Wish I Wrote by Okay Alright

Review by: Isabelle Turner

Expert vocalist and songwriter Okay Alright is back with one of his most incredible projects yet- a cover album. While containing covers, Okay Alright has an innate talent for making something beautiful into a work of his own.

Okay Alright is more than just an artist. As an advocate for mental health, he has always made art with intention and a purpose of something greater than himself. Known personally as Bryce Waitkus, I had the pleasure of getting to know Waitkus better through an interview with him. (Check it out here) Since then, he has been dazzling listeners with his enthusiasm and vulnerability across any project he works on. Okay Alright is back with a cover album, which has been creating a renewed appreciation for his music. His latest project, songs i wish i wrote, is nothing short of a masterpiece.

The entire album combines his talent with multiple genres. While the album is a cover album that does not involve any of his original work, Okay Alright places his own spin on the album. The album art is a western, retro photo that features him with a banjo. The album has put a folky spin on many of our favorite songs, matching his sound as an artist. Featuring songs of almost all genres, the track list seems random upon first glance. Upon first listen, the songs blend together perfectly and flow just as Waitkus has written them himself. The album begins with a rendition of “imagine” by John Lennon, which is a beautiful and airy track that begins the album beautifully. As one of the most widely recognized songs on the album, the album immediately defines itself as a familiar one. The juxtaposition of haunting synths and gentle acoustic strums creates a mesmerizing sonic landscape that captures the essence of the original while pushing the boundaries of interpretation. Spanning 22 songs and over an hour in length, the album is an epic masterpiece. The album also has two features, including Taylor Blackwell and Bella Porter. The dual talent of the two only enhances the album and makes these songs even more compelling. The album builds with songs like “you don’t know how it feels”, “subway song”, and “stay, santa monica”. Waitkus even features songs like “kids” by MGMT. While a completely different energy than songs like “Imagine”, the contrast demonstrates the band's versatility and ability to spread across musical landscapes with finesse. Featuring less notable songs as well, like “luv” and “don’t call me at all”, the album flows perfectly. The songs that Okay Alright has chosen for this album is so defining of his talent and preferences in the music realm. Here is the full track list of the cover album:

imagine
you don't know how it feels kids
subway song
friend of the devil

stay, santa monica
breathe in, breathe out
lua
sweet avenue
don't call me at all
we r gonna b friends (with Bella Porter) swans are fainting
a month or two
king of carrot flowers (with Taylor Blackwell) henna tattoo (1:25 am)
boku wa chotto
mickey flynns
winter song
bowl of oranges
dig in
kids (2:43am)
true love will find you

Each track feels like a carefully crafted chapter in a novel, contributing to an overarching story that transcends individual genre. Even more impressive is his vocal performances on this cover album. Okay Alright's ability to adapt his voice to suit the diverse range of genres represented is a testament to his incredible talent in that realm. He seems to navigate the intricacies of each genre with ease, bringing authenticity and emotional depth to every different track, regardless of who originally sings it. The album is a greater insight into his own preference and opinions on music. The entire album consists purely of songs that Okay Alright wishes that he wrote. He does not consider genre limitations as he simply follows his own personal preference on the album. One of the most defining aspects of this cover album is the meticulous attention to detail in production. Okay Alright doesn't just cover songs; he transforms them, incorporating unexpected elements that breathe new life into familiar melodies. Putting his own spin on listeners’ favorite songs, the album feels uniquely him. The album's production quality is perfect, with each layer of sound crafted to create a rich and immersive experience.

This album puts Okay Alright in a league of greatness. The album songs i wish i wrote is a bold work that showcases Okay Alright’s fearless exploration of musical boundaries and his ability to continue to provide meaningful music that has endless talent. This album is not just a cover collection; it's a testament to the limitless possibilities of musical expression. The album gives a greater insight to what Okay Alright has on the horizon for his career. Okay Alright has not only pushed boundaries but shattered them, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this exciting musical journey.

You can listen to the album here and be sure to follow Okay Alright here!