Gran Turino Explores Genres in New Album

Gran Turino
The One And Only

Some artists are made to deal almost exclusively with one mode or feeling.

For instance, it might be hard for most to imagine Britney Spears doing a protest song against police brutality. It might also be equally as difficult to imagine Staind doing a dance-pop track about, well, anything.

In all fairness, some artists just can't say certain things and sound sincere or passionate. Nashville's rock/soul orchestra, Gran Turino, is poised to escape this quagmire with its third studio album, The One And Only, which was released Sept. 24.

The new album, deemed closer to the band's aspirations than previous releases, according to frontman Chris Ford, is a dynamic and seemingly sincere record that shifts from warm soul to groove-based rock and back again, with a few sensual ballads to spare.

The album's opener, "Sick and Tired," is a high-energy groove based around a stop-start bassline and a constant funk guitar lick, punctuated by danceable horn riffs.

"The Storm" is a mid-tempo R&B groove that reminds of Terrence Trent D'Arby -- if anyone remembers him. The track has a sex appeal and is one of the album's highlights.

"Viperden" is also a highlight and is probably the most experimental track on the album. Introduced by a drum sample and Ford's vocal riffing, the song's synth sounds and processed guitar fills, on top of a driving beat, create a sound somewhat resemblant of early '80s Prince.

"Take It Off," the emotional "climax" of the album, is an ambitious seven-minute slow jam. Ford bares his soul on this track and is complimented by tasteful solos from guitarist Johnny Mann and saxophonist Scott Pederson.

Ultimately, The One And Only is a genuine album that displays Gran Turino's influences faithfully and unpretentiously. The band never sounds guilty of being too ambitious.

This isn't always a good thing, and some of the material on the album sounds too familiar in terms of composition and style. If you have any knowledge of soul music history, you might not be too surprised by what you'll hear on The One And Only.

However, what Gran Turino does, it does well, and that makes the album consistently enjoyable and easily accessible. Isn't that what most people want from their rock/soul/funk orchestras anyway?

The Arts & Entertainment Editor can be reached at artsdesk@unc.edu.