Regular Columnists

Artist: Ryan Tennis
Album: Ryan Tennis
Website: http://myspace.com/ryantennismusic
Genre: Acoustic Rock, Singer-Songwriter
Technical Grade: 7/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 8.5/10
Commercial Value: 9/10
Songwriting Skills: 9/10
Best Songs: 17 Years, Headlights
CD Review: Philadelphia based songwriter, Ryan Tennis has been around the world and back. Along the way he's honed his songwriting skills and the result is his self titled release, Ryan Tennis. A five song set, Ryan Tennis features the writer on acoustic guitar and vocals with a variety of talented side players. But it's all to support Tennis' airy, rhythmic songs.

To The Moon is the opening cut and is the most pop sounding of the songs on the CD. "Leave the timing to the moon, Close my eyes and I can feel it now, Cause my time is coming soon," sings Tennis in a soft breathy voice. 17 Years is one of my favorite songs on the CD. The innocence of Tennis' lyric is underscored by his earnest, authentic delivery and the simple arrangement. This is a song from the heart. Headlights begins with a bluesy rhythm but then morphs into a hymn-like chorus as Tennis can't help but feel that there's something that ties us all together.

Ryan Tennis is a very nice opening effort. He has a positive, refreshing take and a fresh voice. His songwriting is honestly effective. As he sings in To The Moon, his time may be coming soon. Check out Ryan Tennis.