Regular Columnists

Artist: Gioia
Album: Flawless EP
Label: Independent
Website: http://www.gioiamusic.com
Genre: Electronc Rock and Dance Rock
Sounds Like: Justin Timberlake, George Michael
Technical Grade: 9/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 9/10
Commercial Value: 10/10
Overall Talent Level: 10/10
Songwriting Skills: 10/10
Performance Skill: 10/10
Best Songs: Real, Free
Weakness: NONE!
CD Review: Male vocalist, singe/songwriter Goioa gives us a sneak preview of his upcoming sophomore release “Flawless” via this 6 song EP sampler. "Flawless" is to be released later on this year. Gioia hails from Boston, Massachusetts and there is a powerful story behind this latest release. Gioia was recently involved in a car accident, and during the recovery process he wrote the lyrics and melody for one of the songs on this sampler entitled : “Angel on your Shoulder”. The song itself was inspired by this recent spiritual and life changing event, but more importantly it’s a microcosm of what Gioias' message is all about. Gioias' musical Influences include U2, Madonna, Rod Stewart, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga.

Logging in at just over 25 minutes this EP kicks off with “Angel on your Shoulder” an inspirational piece with a passionate vocal delivery reminiscent of a Justin Timberlake, or a soulful George Michael. This song is sung from a deeply personal and joyous perspective that cannot be faked no matter how hard you try. Track 2 “Angel Child” is a bit more upbeat with danceable rhythms, catchy vocal hooks and well placed harmonies. Gioias' music has all the trademark of modern electronica dance pop – including rich sonic layering, pulsating dance grooves, and addictive vocal melodies that go down smooth. Track 3, my favorite piece “Real” kicks things into hi-gear with a bass groove that takes no prisoners. What’s amazing about “Real” is the presence of subtle psychedelic touches reminiscent of last 70’s disco. Despite its psychedelic flair “Real” manages to stay left of the line. This CD has a solid low end feel to it, and has a vibe that will clearly put you out on the dance floor. Gioia also gives us his wise perspective via his music, and vocal style that works extremely well. I might add Gioia takes some impressive vocal risks throughout this EP indicating a strong and confident vocal ability. Track 4 “Free” has an impressive Caribbean style intro, and flows and ebbs with brilliant musical liquidity. Clearly Gioia is an artist that’s not afraid to let it all hang out, and I get the impression he’s very comfortable in his skin here. The CD ends on a solid note with “Flawless” a song with another powerful message, and a grand slam chorus. 

This 6 song EP sampler from Gioia is an impressive release. Gioia delivers 6 brilliant tracks that are fresh sounding, possessing solid dance grooves, and deliver subject matter that is upbeat, uplifting, and spiritual. From start to finish this sampler has a lot of mojo, and possesses no weaknesses that I can hear. My hats of to the entire production team which includes Marc Soucy of AudioMusicVoice (Matrix, Susan Smith, Willow) It possesses a production value that is clearly professional grade from start to finish. But getting back to Gioia, there's something very  special about him. His music possesses an amazing amount of positive energy, and one can't help but be uplifted by the whole musical experience. It's quite exhilarating. What separates good artist from great ones. Sure talent is a big factor, but it’s also about the emotional impact delivered via their music and their message. It's also about making that (singer to listener) connection, and typically the bigger the connection the bigger the artist becomes. In this respect Gioia clearly has a lot of potential as an artist. No doubt if his  music were heard on a much larger scale it would no doubt render a massive fan base. As an artist Gioias' music has much to offer, but most importantly his music delivers a message that is full of life, joy, and more importantly hope for all humanity. Almost as if as he has.........well an angel on his shoulders.

 I look forward to hearing the full length CD later on this year.