BY BILL SMITH
MUSIC CRITIC

Although Something Like This is Ben Rector’s fourth studio album, he still appears to be some what of a new comer climbing through the current ranks of Pop music and paying his dues. Released on Good Time Records last fall, Rector is is churning out some impressive and eclectic Pop music, and making fans all the way. He is currently on tour opening for Needtobreathe this summer, which is actually quite a good match up. Rector did find some success on the iTunes charts when the album was released peaking at number 11 on their Independent Artist charts and climbing to number 41 on the Top 200 Billboard charts. Quite an impressive feat in this day and age, especially sine he is an Independent Artist and people really don’t buy albums anymore.

Rector’s sound would best be described as a mixture of Dr. John style New Orleans Rock with a heavy dose of modern Pop influences such as Needtobreathe. This sound is really refreshing and is rather unique amidst the current title wave of electro pop, synth heavy, over produced songs that pass of as music today. Rector is a gifted musician, with an ear from melody, and his music should appeal to a huge section of fans that enjoy different genres of music styles.

Standout tracks include the funky “Let the Good Times Roll,” “Song for the Suburbs,” “Without You,” “Hide Away,” and “She Is.” As good as this album is, it’s a little disappointing. I recently had th3e chance to see Rector perform live and I was blown away! He and his band are a proficient and extremely tight unit. Quite frankly he was better live then the songs on the album would lead you to believe. Rector is an extremely gifted pianist and guitarist and really knew how to handle the crowd. That’s not to say that this album isn’t good, it’s just for me I would rather see him live then listen to the record. This is a common problem for musicians. Translating what they do live onto wax is a difficult thing to achieve, even for the most seasoned of veterans. I would definitely recommend this album, but I would insist that you see him in concert also.

Grade: B-

bsmith@lakecounty-sentinel.com or follow us on Twitter @LCSentinelcom