Currently, NBC’s award-winning singing competition “The Voice” may be one of television’s most popular programs, but as season after season has come to a close, something about the show’s nine seasons on air prevented it from creating superstar performers.
While the show has garnered mass audiences and iTunes hits, absent are the Kelly Clarksons and Carrie Underwoods of the world. Cassadee Pope, the show’s third winner, came close back in 2012 with the release of her album, “Frame By Frame.” While her career continues to have stimulated, if not overwhelming, success, the chances of her topping any chart in the near future seems distant.
Looking to change all of this is Sawyer Fredericks. Upon the release of his self-titled EP, which managed to climb to number 49 on the Billboard Hot 100, Frederick’s was a wunderkind of “The Voice. With the vocals of someone far more experienced and rugged, Frederick’s folksy rock voice impressed, making him an obvious choice as the season eight winner. With the release of his latest and first post-“Voice” compilation, Frederick’s career may have the most positive outlook to date. Featuring fellow competitor Mia Zanotti, each track off of the release is like a throwback to a time when tumbleweeds mattered. By far one of the greatest releases of any “Voice” alumni, Frederick’s small-town perspective is both relatable and drawing.
On the single “Take It All,” Frederick engages with a folksy-pop sound in the vein of other previous reality television alumni like Phillip Phillips. Upbeat and filled with hooks, “Take It All” plays out like many other post-show debut singles. While seemingly giving up his signature style, “Take It All” is good enough to complement the young artist’s abilities, even if it seems like a departure towards a more pop-driven sound.
Fredericks uses his next three tracks to showcase what he truly does best. On “Lovers Still Alone” and “Still Here,” Fredericks represents a sort of resurrection in an otherwise antique subgenre filled with “greatest hits” albums and the restyling of past era works. These tracks are impressive, if only because they sound as though they should have come from a time long ago. Each is as emotional as the one before it while providing enough diversity to be entirely different.
On the Zanotti-featured “Stranger (Me & You),” Fredericks provides listeners with his greatest track. As a track, “Stranger” is compelling. Filled with all of the bluesy inflections sadly missing from the majority of the music industry, the melody of the song is a lively thumper. What makes this track work so well is Zanotti’s and Fredericks’ ability to bounce off of one another so well, both realizing one an-other’s strengths and purpose.
As a whole, Frederick’s resulting release is nothing short of impressive. While the possibility of outstanding success is still yet to be seen from the Upstate New York native, his unwavering potential is definitely present in this EP. Entirely heartfelt and incredible given his age, it is sure that there is more yet to be seen.
Rating: 4 out of 5
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Thank you, I really appreciate your fine article of Sawyer Fredericks.
Nicely written article about Sawyer Fredericks. Thanks.
Great story on the fantastic sawyer Fredericks ☺😊😉😃😄
Agree with everything except “possibility of outstanding success yet to be seen”, Sawyer has shown this time & time again. He will be the most successful winner/contestant from the Voice and any other show, although that is not what he cares about, but is part of his endearing charm. Sawyer has something precious that few possess. Besides his obvious gift of music, he also has a sparkle in his eyes and gorgeous empathetic smile that tugs at your heartstrings and is conveyed in the touching lyrics he writes. I am impressed with not only his full collection of music & new EP, but with who he is. He has a wonderful family and parents that have set the highest example for him and have taught him to be the respectful young man he is.
Love Sawyer and I want to thank him for bringing me back to my youth where music meant something!
Thank you for recognizing what we Sawyer fans have known all along:This kid is going to be great!!! The four songs released make you want more. I agree that the duet is a terrific song but all are wonderful. “Still Here” is so full of emotion it can bring tears to my eyes. Thanks for the great review.
Sawyer’s “Forever Wrong”, love theme of Mitch Albom’s novel, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto” companion CD, has Grammy written all over it especially if Albom’s novel garners NY Times best seller status and or a TV movie as has the likes of “Tuesday’s With Maury” and others. Americans will be humming the tune from coast to coast.
https://www.facebook.com/MitchAlbom/videos/10153652876807570/
I agree 150% with Michiganmitch. Sawyer is one in a million and he will go far. I hope he continues to use Mia as they are a duo that is off the charts when they sing together.
Really? Compared to Joshua Davis? Not a chance! Joshua Davis was by far and away the best “voice” (and guitarist, and songwriter) of that season of the Voice. Look up Steppin In It! Look up his latest solo album! There is just no comparison.
@Hank O’Farrell I am a huge Joshua Davis fan and have downloaded almost all of his work. He is great entertainer and an innovative writter but I am quite certain he would not appreciate your trolling here. Joshua is one of the classiest guys ever unlike you.
Our family love Sawyer. His humility is so refreshing reflected by his beautiful voice. Thank you for publishing this info!