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Ryan Ferguson
Only Trying to Help
Better Looking Records
The press blurb for Ryan Ferguson’s latest album refers to his indie rock past and his intention to “expand his sonic palette and pop sensibilities” i.e., to create infectious melodic pop music that rocks. Unfortunately, his intentions are somewhat lost on Only Trying to Help and the resulting songs are hit or miss. Ferguson is at his best when he leaves his “pop sensibilities” behind on songs such as the catchy “Kill My Confidence” and the powerful “And I Worry.” In the upbeat “Better Off” and the amusing “X’s & O’s,” he almost succeeds in expanding his “sonic palette.” But then he goes a step too far. The bland “Introduction” starts off right with searing guitars, but then falters in the soft rock chorus. In the horrendous “The Imposter,” he seems to be channeling The Backstreet Boys. The bombastic “In The Sea” sounds over-produced, featuring annoying and contrived Beach Boys-like backing vocals, while “Not On My Watch” finds whining away. Meanwhile, “Must Be Friday Night” is a sappy ballad that puts on all the works, from the strings to the drawn out choir-like vocals. The partial failure of this album stems from Ferguson’s overly ambitious attempt to embrace all facets of pop music, while turning his back on his gift for hard-driving rock.
—Jessica Simons
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