You’ve heard of Paris Hilton, and even Perez Hilton, but what about Tyler Hilton?
The actor and singer-songwriter burst onto the music scene roughly 10 years ago. He appeared in “”Walk the Line”” as Elvis Presley and starred in “”One Tree Hill.”” His music was also featured in the show. If you’re a fan of Taylor Swift and her music videos, you’ve probably caught a few glimpses of Hilton.
He grew up in a musical family and began writing songs at the age of 17. He has been involved in music ever since. Hilton has also had a few Top 40 singles.
His new EP Ladies & Gentlemen, available April 20, features five songs from his album due out later this summer. If you’ve followed Hilton’s music, you may catch some changes from his 2004 album The Tracks of Tyler Hilton.
This new sound is a little rougher around the edges. It was recorded live in-studio. The live change with the music isn’t distracting, yet makes Hilton seem like a newer artist re-establishing himself through the sound. The live factor of this EP makes the music feel more genuine and real — different from the old Hilton sound. his old pop ways seemed to evolve into twangy acoustic folk.
His warm, sand-papered voice fits in smoothly with the soft instrumentals. Hilton also has more of a country twist to this EP — it’s an interesting balance between pop, folk and country.
Each track is different from the others. The EP opens with an upbeat song, “”Sunset Blvd.,”” while the rest, like “”Keep On,”” are on the slower, more mellow side, almost like something you would hear in the background of a deep, meaningful moment in “”Grey’s Anatomy.””
Instead of featuring all mushy love songs, the album is more focused on being inspirational in its message. It’s a nice change from the typical love grind, lending more insight to Hilton as an artist and the road he’s been taking.
If you’re into Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat, Lifehouse or Lady Antebellum (the last of whom lived with and drew some inspiration from Hilton when writing this album), you may like Ladies & Gentlemen.
Score: C+
