Something Like This

Rector’s fourth studio album, Something Like This, opens on “Let the Good Times Roll”: an uplifting and timeless tune with a gospel choir–infused chorus that sort of sounds like Motown signed Gavin DeGraw. Rector sings in a more whispered voice on “Song for the Suburbs,” an inspired anthemic standout with droning church organ, marching rhythms, and backing vocals. It’s difficult to imagine Rector singing these songs without a perpetual smile on his face, especially when the soulful “Never Gonna Let You Go” starts grooving on an old Fender Rhodes electric piano and buoyant bass lines. “Without You” takes a break from the retro accompaniment with pulsing sequenced drum beats and a dramatically romantic melody that suggests Rector may have more than one Coldplay album in his collection.