Parker Millsap- Be Here Instead

Graham Craycraft

Parker Millsap's new album ‘Be Here Instead’ represents his fourth full length record. Although he began Gospel-Influenced Americana his third album, ‘Other Arrangements,’ shifted into a more alt-folk-rock-esque sound that really worked. Songs like ‘Fine Line’ and ‘Let a Little Light In’ brought an energetic electric sound to already great songwriting.

Millsap in his newest album ‘Be Here Instead’ shifts again although this time not in the best way. Some songs like ‘Rolling’ and ‘Dammit’ are reminiscent of his old sound in a great way. ‘Rolling’ is a smooth song with a good back and is a solid start to the album. It is even more applicable considering the time it was recorded and released (Covid-19 pandemic). ‘Dammit’ is the energetic pop that most albums need in at least a couple songs. A song about perspective and a reevaluation of one’s current point of life.

You can’t see the forest for the branches

You can’t see the ocean from the bottom of the waves

You can’t see the glory for the trenches

You can’t see tomorrow from today

It’s very true that often we are so stuck we are unable, or unwilling, to understand the greater goal of our lives. Did the soldiers in the trenches of WWI comprehend what they were doing and why? Do we see what tomorrow can bring for us and our loved ones if we are so focused on today?

However these are clear stand out songs. The rest of the album largely seems to fall flat. Songs like ‘It Was You’ and ‘Being Alive’ instrumentally provide little and lyrically even less. Other songs are backed with an odd inclusion of synth and computer generated sounds that just do not work. He has unfortunately fallen into the “different is better” or “weird is good'' faux pas that many artists do. Different is key, weird can be great, but not for its own sake.

It’s hard for artists to find what kind of artist they want to be and what their music truly says. Millsap is no exception and it seems he is searching and experimenting with these new sounds and lyrically vague songs, but it just does not work. Hopefully he finds his right path again and can come out swinging on the next project.