Search - Eric Himan :: Everywhere All at Once

Every-Time, Simultaneously

Godwhacker | Florida | 09/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Eric Himan is one of the best singer/songwriters of his generation. He is gifted with the rare combination of a great voice, excellent musicianship, and (most importantly) something to say. Everywhere All At Once is his 5th studio release, and it heralds another big artistic step forward. The production on the album is first rate and the music is rich in textures and harmonies, with a little help from Andy Moore and Levi Kris. It reminds me a little of The Beatles "White Album" in that contains 15 songs and explores a variety of musical styles. ~ everything from toe-tapping country twang to punk-rock and soft jazz. There is also plenty of the introspective acoustic music that hallmarks Eric's earlier albums. It is literally Everywhere All At Once. That is a good thing. There are a lot of firsts on Everywhere; his first dance song "Something to Dance To" which has the feel of a top 10 hit, his first gay anthem "Love Don't Hide", and his first ode to villainy "Acquired Taste". "Acquired Taste" is probably my favorite song as of this writing, but then I always had a thing for the bad guys. Having something to say is the most important ingredient of any type of art. Eric's message is important, especially for the gay community and especially in this day and age. The message is that long -term love is superior to "One Night Stands". That might seem self-evident to some, but it is downright revolutionary in the gay community where we are routinely ridiculed for promiscuity while we are simultaneously denied the right to Marriage and the long-term stability that institution provides. Eric sticks his finger in the eye of that hypocrisy, without loosing his "mojo". Another cut on the album titled "Heart Clean" is so charged with sexual energy that it makes Justin Timberlake's "SexyBack" seem like a wet noodle. In Eric's world view, sex is an expression of love. I sensed that same truth as a young man growing up gay, but that realization left me feeling the odd man out. Gay culture is focused more on hedonism then heroism. Thanks in part to Eric and the changing attitude he expresses so well, I don't feel so alone anymore. Wether you are looking for some new tunes, or a new philosophy of life, Everywhere All At Once delivers."

Refreshing to hear...

Geminiguy | Bloomington, IN | 11/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What happens when a musician evolves from being good? Well, in Eric Himan's case, he becomes exceptionally great. As his previous studio album seemed to wander towards a more contemorary radio-friendly format, Everywhere All At Once bucks that trend. I loved Dark Horse but I have to say it is not as accomplished and refreshing to listen to as this album. Maybe the fact that Mr. Himan seems happier through out this set has something to do with it but I'm more inclined to pin point the coolness of this album on the fact that he does not conform to everything else you hear on the radio. Even when he seemed to venture that way, with Dark Horse, he still maintained a signature sound that in my opinion elevates him above those simply putting out hit after hit. That unique sound is here in full force and it is undeniable that this album is something from the heart and geared for those who enjoy "real" music. On top of that, his style through out is mildly ecclectic. Each song features that rocking sound he is wonderfully gifted at, but he also injects other genre's into the mix. For example, "I Don't Wait Well" features an intriguing punk sound to it which goes surprisingly well with Eric Himans vocals. "Thanks" has hint of bluesy attitude to it (and the lyrics also have a spunkiness to them that many people could relate to). "Love Don't Hide" offers a little gospel flavor as a back round chorus belts out, complementing an already perfect song effectively. I particularly enjoy "The Difference" because of its upbeat message, and "Worry About Nothing" which begins similarly to "Habit/Curse" but ventures into its own lyrical terretory. Fans of his wittiness, look out for "Heart Clean" which is reminisent of some of his older material in both substance and style (and that is great).

Every song on this release is worth listening to and each one is relatable in some way, shape, or form. I can honestly say that "The Difference" is a song (and one of the few, I might add) that actually instills a little hope in me that things will get better. I must admit that I am both shocked and ashamed (of our lackluster music industry, no less) that Eric Himan is not a bigger contender for radio airplay because, face it... he would bring something new and fresh to the airwaves. Get this album. You will not be disapointed."