Categories: Archives

Brad Yoder worth your ‘Trouble’

Excellent Trouble

Brad Yoder

Reverie… Excellent Trouble

Brad Yoder

Reverie Records

A

Sounds Like: Elliott Smith, John Prine

Proving once again that songs can be both poetry and involved narratives, local songwriter Brad Yoder’s new album Excellent Trouble brings his myriad of lyrical talents to attention.

Yoder’s songs capture the simplicity, sadness and beauty that life experiences afford from reminiscing about friends of school days long past, to losing someone, to heartbreak and falling in love.

The song “Leave Me Like This,” for instance — written in memory of a close friend — is almost guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes with the chorus line, “You didn’t have to leave / didn’t have to leave us wondering / what we could’ve done, if anything?”

Other songs are just plain fun.

In the title track, Yoder reminisces about a night out with a friend, using lyrics like, “We’ll color fluorescently outside the lines / so when, dour-faced, they ask us why we can’t stop smiling / it’s just that it’s all so unbearably beautiful.”

Yoder’s instrumental focus remains on his guitar and his voice — although he’s able to incorporate keyboards and drums when recording in the studio — because with these two tools alone, his songs come through clear and poignant.

Yoder’s album also features other vocal talents backing him up, such as Ray DeFade and Heather Kropf.

Each artist was chosen carefully, and each complements their song’s emotional impact.

Overall, this album offers plenty of heartfelt moments and harmonious melodies.

The singer-songwriter has only improved since his previous release, and it will be exciting to see what else Yoder concocts in the coming months.

Pitt News Staff

Share
Published by
Pitt News Staff

Recent Posts

SGB hears fiscal year 2025 budget requests

During its weekly meeting on Tuesday at Nordy’s Place, the Student Government Board reviewed proposals…

17 hours ago

Students bracing for political tension during Thanksgiving break 

Students are, by and large, excited to return home to spend time with family during…

19 hours ago

Pitt sounds airhorns as crows migrate to campus

Crow populations have increased significantly in recent months due to the birds’ migration to Pittsburgh.…

22 hours ago

University Gamelan Ensemble explores music, culture and creativity at Bellefield Hall concert

The University of Pittsburgh Gamelan Ensemble played at the Bellefield Hall Auditorium on Nov. 18th,…

1 day ago

Photos: University Gamelan Ensemble

Pitt’s Gamelan Ensemble performs in Bellefield Hall on Monday, Nov. 18.

1 day ago

Opinion | The best ways to make the most of the holiday season

From baking treats to ice skating in the cold weather, there is so much to…

1 day ago