Adam Bloom
Sugar Sweet
Indie
Simply put, Adam Bloom writes pop songs — engaging sing-alongs that point to the past while forging into the future. And with his latest release, Sugar Sweet, the accomplished Florida-based musician has produced (along with a qualified cast of studio cats) a satisfying eight-song set that focuses on an array of often difficult personal relationships.
Possessing a smidge of Richard Butler-flavored flare, “True” is a crisp opener, tied together by a thread of romantic tension. Driven seemingly by a sentiment of the one who got away, “Star Girl” owns detectable Dick Dale DNA.
If Bloom only ever wrote one song, “Everything Rolled Up in One” would buy him a lifetime supply of songwriting cred. Combining a stylistic dash of Coldplay with a splash of Fountains of Wayne, and peppered with a pinch of Blue October, it’s easily the record’s crown jewel. Props to not only Bloom for the sweet piano effort and string arrangements on this one, but also to Brian St. Aubin for his spectacular work.
Reaching further into the shag-covered past, the title track displays a slight T. Rex swagger, while “All the Pale Faced Girls” captures a noticeable Almost Famous era vibe. Revealing a bit of self deprecating transparency, “Sweet Emily” provides additional edge-factor
“She Doesn’t Know” is a delicious slice of authentic late ’60s/early ’70s soft pop and is an undeniable record highlight — brought to modern day life beautifully in Bloom’s minimalist, must-see YouTube video.
“This album is pretty much my last nine months of writing,” says Bloom. And the passion he poured into the project shines through. The pleasantly lo-fi production fits the honest purity of Bloom’s songs nicely.
In sum, for old school singer / songwriter enthusiasts, Sugar Sweet is a spin-worthy 2021 standout.
adambloommusic.org
