James Keen – “Show Me What You Got”
James Keen – “Show Me What You Got” – Single Review
Full disclosure, I find it pretty much impossible to hear the phrase “Show Me What You Got” and not instantly think about that legendary Ricky And Morty episode, where civilization basically had to put up or shut up once and for all. Maybe that’s just me…but maybe that’s also you too.
Anyhow. I dig what James Keen is ultimately saying here in his new single “Show Me What You Got” and how in many ways, he’s expressing a very similar sentiment. There’s a little less pressure on the outcome here…humanity isn’t going to end if we don’t show Keen what we can do…but he has created a solid single-worthy tune that reminds us that just sitting on the sidelines of life ain’t gonna cut it either. Obviously, as a person that has chosen to lead a life on the road less traveled myself, I completely agree with what Keen is driving at in his lyricism on this song, and I’m definitely guilty of believing there are far too many folks out there content with not challenging themselves enough to see what they’re really capable of. I’ll let you decide whether or not that belief of mine is fiction based, or the reality we’re in.
At the very least, it seems like James feels a similar way, and ultimately, “Show Me What You Got” is him throwing down the gauntlet. Having had it with those out there that “sit on the sidelines” happy to criticize those of us on the front-lines making it happen and getting it done every day…well…let’s just say that’s a frustration that can only stay bottled up for so long before you write a song like this one here. I share in that frustration, yet I’m also very cautious of the fact that those that don’t far outnumber those of us that do…make no mistake, if this planet turned to cannibalism tomorrow, they’d eat the artists first based on pure jealousy & envy…and yes, also because we’d clearly taste better than the alternatives too I’m sure. I digress…and a lot from the looks of what I’ve written so far. The point I’m trying to make is that you should be inspired to get off your ass and do something significant with your life in whatever way makes you wanna get up and live the day right after the one you’re in, so on and so forth. Do what you do, be who you are, stay true to yourself…and show the whole damn WORLD what you got, you dig?
Most importantly to a song with a theme like this, James has put his money where his mouth is. He’s not waiting around, he’s not resting on his laurels, he’s not willing to “sit on the sidelines” when he knows he’s got plenty to offer this world. You might remember the man as a third of the band called Magazine Gap, that we’ve reviewed plenty throughout our pages in the past…but that’s just the thing – that was then, and this is now. You don’t wait around for your next invitation to do something cool with your life – you create your own. And so here we are, with the latest single from solo artist James Keen – the first since 2008 from what I can tell, fifteen years removed from his debut record No Coincidence.
So…there are a couple things I think are true here. Obviously the core theme and concept check out perfectly…I like the writing and I agree with the sentiment of the lyrics…so you betcha, I’m onboard there. Do I think this is altogether new terrain or that much more inspired than I’ve heard Keen’s music to be in the past? Not really. And that’s okay! That speaks to his consistency y’all…he’s always given you the best of what he’s capable of, whenever you’ve heard him making music. As much as I think he’s got a single that’s written from a strong perspective and empowered point of view, when it comes to what people will remember and focus in on when they’re listening…that’s where things get tougher, because we’ll have to admit that it’s actually the main hook in the backing vocals that is going to be the element that sets this track apart from the rest. All those words…all that insight…all that effort…and it could all be a distant second to a couple of clever “ahh-ahhs” in the background – amazing, isn’t it? So here’s my challenge to you, human race…”Show Me What You Got” and prove me wrong about that. Go ahead! I’m more than happy to be completely, totally, and utterly wrong…pretty much at any time, not just this particular instance. If you listen to “Show Me What You Got” and you’re like, nah – the content IS the hook, then I’ll certainly be willing to salute you as the savvy diamond in the rough that you are. It’s a catchy song and it moves to a good rhythm…that’s very much part & parcel of the way that Keen has always written his material, and he should be proud of the fact that’s never wavered for as long as I’ve been listening. I don’t know that “Show Me What You Got” is a massive leap forward from what we’ve heard from him in the past…it seems like a more lateral move to me…but it’s still a quality tune, and I very much love that he’s never called it quits & continues on the path he’s set for himself. He doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk…and perhaps above all else, that’s really what a song like “Show Me What You Got” is all about. There’s no reason to “sit on the sidelines” if you’re still a part of the game – and Keen proves he’s still got plenty in the tank to offer.
The instrumentation is on-point, the vocals are confident, the writing is sincere…James Keen is starting his latest solo adventures on solid ground – “Show Me What You Got” is easy to enjoy on the surface & a well-crafted song that’ll cut even deeper the more that you examine what it is & what it means to you.
Find out more about James Keen from his official website at: https://jameskeenmusic.com
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