Matt Ryczek ~ Six Year Plan

   If the title of newcomer Matt Ryczek’s debut, Six Year Plan, is any indication as to his course of action for entering the music industry, he’s probably going to be a bit surprised. This 23 year old Georgia native is sure to be one of the next “it” kids of 2005 with the release of this intelligently-written 12-song debut.

Musically, Ryczek seems to step away from the Mayer-esque groove. While definitely a “pop” sound, the songs are tinged with elements of jazz, blues & soul. What makes Ryczek stand out from a field of singer-songwriters that have developed in the past two years is the sheer simplicity of the melodies – simple acoustic guitar & percussion dominate the album’s tracks.

That simplicity draws the listener to the album’s real strength – the writing. The majority of the album’s tracks are focused on love & the trials & tribulations of young relationships, which is nothing new for emo-era male singer-songwriters. But there’s something different here, too. Ryczek’s lyrics are smart – they don’t pretend to be overly complicated. They ask the questions & express the feelings with which we all deal.

"Without You” opens the CD with a plaintive cry of absent love & is one of the strongest songs on the album – a great choice for the opening track on the producer’s part. "Sorry for Yesterday” classically & one-sidedly, dissects a lover’s argument. “New Love” is one of the CD’s diamonds, grappling with the transition from the “it’s over” phase to the “moving on.” “Crazy” is a humorous look at the conundrum of single life – its fun, erratic pace will have you swaying & laughing in no time.

Two songs entreat the listener to “carpe diem”: The mellow, “Living” & its complete opposite, upbeat “Sunrise” (which definitely hearkens a comparison to Jason Mraz’s funky hip-hop pop sound).

All bets for the first radio single, though, lie in “So Help Me,” a song that inspires thoughts of summer & riding around with the top down at the beach with your first love.

So, does this album make the Dean’s List? You betcha. Six Year Plan is a great first effort by a talented young songwriter. If the first is a preview of what’s to come, we’ve got a lot to look forward to from Matt Ryzcek. At $10, you’d be missing the boat if you didn’t invest in this CD. Check out the official website to preview tracks & buy the album.

:: Krissie Callahan ::