Review
Gavin DeGraw’s fourth studio album, "Sweeter," released in 2011, takes a spirited leap away from his earlier work, embracing a collaborative spirit that brings a fresh, tantalizing mix to his sound. Teaming up with the likes of Ryan Tedder, Butch Walker, and Andrew Frampton, DeGraw dances between his beloved pop-rock roots and ventures into funkier, edgier territories, like a painter blending vibrant hues on a new canvas.
Tracks such as the infectiously catchy "Not Over You," a collaboration with Tedder, capture the heart's ache and resilience with a melody that lingers sweetly. Meanwhile, songs like "Sweeter" and "Radiation" pulse with an intimate, sultry vibe, dripping with a bold, musical swagger. The varied recording backdrops, from Nashville's Blackbird Studio to Hollywood's Henson Recording Studios, breathe an eclectic life into the album’s experimental essence. It's no wonder "Sweeter" garnered warmth from critics and listeners alike, standing as a glowing marker of DeGraw's evolving artistry and adventurous foray into uncharted musical waters. - Lorelei