A definite must hear for fans of Hawksley Workman and Danny Michel.
author: Jarrett Storey, Stylus Magazine
On Discoverers, his first proper full-length release, Winnipeg by way of Ontario native Johnny Broadway puts forth a collection of heartfelt songs that ask listeners to explore the ebbs and flows of interpersonal relationships.
The album's themes are centered around the desire to leave, the forces that keep us where we are and the internal struggle we face when we're holding on while simultaneously trying to let go. There's also a pretty solid boat theme running like an undercurrent throughout the album.
This might all turn real cheesy real fast if Mr. Broadway wasn't so melodically competent, and capable of turning phrases and hooks like he's working overtime in the crank factory.
Where Broadway really shines though is on Discoverer's standout track, The Last Town in Ontario, where he intones: "We've many miles yet to go, through every inch of falling snow, to the last town in Ontario."
It's moments like these that make listeners realize that Johnny might really be on to something.
Though the tracks may not appeal to those who like their rocking a tad less precious, it'd be hard for any music fan to not appreciate the breadth and scope of Broadway's songwriting, not to mention his relentless penchant for romance and the romantic. It doesn't hurt that Johnny's packing his metaphorical boats with boatloads of hummable melodies, either.
Discoverers is a definite must hear out for fans of likewise lovelorn softies like Hawksley Workman and Danny Michel. Try it; It'll probably float your boat.
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Bounces between wistful melancholy and sunny optimism with plenty of charisma.
author: David Schmeichel, The Winnipeg Sun
Johnny Broadway may have been raised in the shadows of Motown, but don't expect any Berry Gordy antics on the former Hamiltonian's debut Discoverers. This is strictly singer-songwriter stuff, although Broadway shows plenty of pluck and charisma. Armed with an uber-earnest voice and an arsenal of heart-on-sleeve, indie-pop confessionals, he bounces between wistful melancholy and sunny optimism so deftly he even manages to pull off wince-worthy lyrics like "I'm such a puppy for your loveliness." No easy feat.
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