Platinum-selling pop singer Ryan Cabrera is back in the music game with his long-awaited EP entitled Wake Up Beautiful (Dynamite Music/Caroline). The songwriter is mostly known for his huge pop hits such as “On the Way Down,” “True,” and “Shine On.” Both “On the Way Down” and “True” from his 2004 album, Take It All Away, are certified Gold.
“House on Fire” is the first single off of Wake Up Beautiful. The EP is off to a wonderful start as Cabrera fuses his explosive pop-rock sound with elements of dance music. Rhythmic guitar, hand clapping, and echoes blend beautifully together. The track eventually becomes anthemic as we hear the catchy chorus along with solid percussion, keyboards, and synths. Cabrera’s voice still sounds as beautiful as ever, and the lyrics are truly inspiring.
“‘House on Fire’ is about burning everything down and being crazy while you can,” the singer explained. He further added, “You’re living in the moment and enjoying everything you do. A lot of people are afraid to let themselves go, be passionate, and express their feelings.” Ryan Cabrera urges all to let loose and nutty, even if it’s just for one night. “House on Fire” is currently climbing the Hot AC charts.
“Sing Along” is the second track and my personal favorite on the EP. I immediately found myself tapping along to the beat. Cabrera sings, “Hold up your glasses and raise up your voice / here’s to the masses that make all the noise.” I can picture this song being sung at either a bar or beach by a bonfire. The piano chords are delightful, and the vocals are in perfect harmony. It wouldn’t be a surprise if this song was the song of the summer.
Things get a bit softer as we listen to the third track, “Forgot How to Fly.” Cabrera pours his heart out to his significant other, “It’s been one day without you / I’m like a bird without a sky / It’s been one day without you and I forgot how to fly.” The song has acoustic elements that are reminiscent of old school Cabrera, and it’s a great reminder of how much I enjoy his music. Dance elements pick up again in the fourth and fifth tracks, “All We Have” and “I See Love.” Ryan Cabrera has certainly returned to the music scene with a refreshing EP.
Cabrera will be co-headlining the Radio Revival Tour alongside Secondhand Serenade throughout the nation. The tour begins on March 12th. For more information, check out his official website.