I was introduced to Christian Lee Hutson in 2022 after seeing Bright Eyes live, with Hutson as the opening act, and he blew me away. His soothing voice and tender lyrics immediately caught my attention, and I've been a fan ever since. I followed this record from announcement to release, my excitement building with each subsequent single that dropped, which were all great.
Beginning with “After Hours,” a captivating and moving ballad with some great pedal steel guitar work, and “Beauty School,” a more straightforward indie rock/power pop song that sounds to me what Fountains of Wayne would sound like if they were an indie folk band. Other highlights would be “Carousel Horses,” a beautiful cut that includes beautiful backing harmonies from both indie superstar Phoebe Bridgers and Hutson’s girlfriend and fellow artist Maya Hawke, and the country-influenced “Candyland,” which has some great violin playing.
The album’s production, handled by Bridgers, gives it a soothing vibe that’s perfect listening for the season of autumn and perfectly complements the lyrics. Hutson is a master of crafting short stories and vignettes that feel very alive. It’s as if these people and stories exist, and we know them personally through these songs. This album is truly a testament to Hutson’s ever-increasing skill as a songwriter and a clear highlight of his career so far.
Paradise Pop. 10 is available for purchase and streaming now.
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