I was surprised to learn after getting this CD that it isn't Jonny Diaz's first. But it is his first with a label, so that helps explain my confusion. Honestly, that's beside the point. This is a fun, pop inspired debut that is mostly enjoyable.
The disc starts right out with the title song. As you might have guessed, it talks about true beauty coming from with in and not confirming to societies standards. The song has a soft rock flair that makes it fun if not completely original.
Frankly, that pretty much describes the rest of the disc. It's got fun moments, but they aren't original enough to be captivating. "Love Like You Loved" has a nice island flair. "Stand for You" reminds us what we should be standing up for in this world.
I have finally found a prodigal song that had to grow on me. "Prodigal Like Me" didn't grab me right away, but once I got into it, I did start to enjoy the mix of familiar Bible stories with a cry to lose the wayward heart.
"See the Wind" is one of the slower moments on the disc as Jonny sings of the desire for his faith to be sight. I love it.
But my favorite track is the bonus cut, "The Opener." This song cracks me up and Jonny sings honestly what life is like for the opening act at a concert. I foresee a problem, this will become a fan favorite, so how can he sing it when he's the headliner?
Stylistically, this is a safe pop, release. There's enough variety to keep my ear, but it doesn't try anything to make it stand out.
I have a feeling that Jonny has much more in him than this. I'm interested in seeing how he grows as an artist.