Jon Fuller clearly writes his songs at the piano. That instrument is at the center of this album, and it sings at least as much as he does. And he sings quite well. Apparently this is a bit of COVID dump, as the press notes say that he didn't mean to record an album, and then these twelve songs poured out.

Jon Fuller When Did You Get So Damn Scared (self-released)

Fuller called up Dan Kleederman to work on a few songs, and then this happened. Fuller opens up lyrically and musically, and many of these songs have the feeling of a flower unfurling. There is a spot of wonder as each hits its stride.

The overall feeling of this album is one of relief and joy. Fuller caught COVID early on, and perhaps that inspired him to dig deep and examine some very personal events. But the darkness is transitory; it always fades into a sunrise.

In that way, pop song structure is perfectly suited to a COVID-inspired rumination. There's plenty of room for exposition, but in the end the hook sets and lifts everything to another level. Fuller has crafted one of the most engaging and uplifting albums I've heard this year. Lovely, and then some.

Jon Worley