Album Review—Open by Stephen Wallack

A Journey of Self-Discovery: Exploring the Emotional Depths

Stephen Wallack’s new album Open is an honest attempt by the artist to engage in a deep conversation with the listener’s soul. In today’s chaotic world, we find a breath of fresh air in this musical work which invites us to pause, reflect and reconnect with ourselves and the world. It is such a surprise for us to see that Wallack picks up a simple word ‘Open’ to name his album, which is not without a profound reason. The title suggests that these songs invite the listeners to embrace vulnerability, openness, and transformation. The delicate piano melodies and the heart-touching composition remind us what it means to be open to oneself and the world. The theme of the album seems to be personal growth and self-awareness. In our contemporary world torn apart by political divides, global unrest, and personal struggles, ‘Open’ provides an inspiring space for the audience to reflect and cultivate inner peace, hoping for a better tomorrow.

About The Artist

Stephen Wallack, the Minnesota-based pianist and composer, is the mastermind behind ‘Open’. Growing up in a family where music was always an undercurrent, the artist has cherished a lifelong relationship with music. While his siblings moved towards more mainstream bands, Wallack found a natural inclination to explore the power of instrumental music. Despite struggling with performance anxiety, he began his piano lessons quite early in life. Subsequently, the early challenge he faced fueled his passion for music. At a point, he discovered George Winston’s album December, which he felt resonated with him. This discovery helped him focus his musical journey. We find Wallack’s music being influenced by everything from classical compositions to cinematic soundtracks. His sixth solo release Open is a significant milestone in his artistic journey.

What is so incredible about ‘Open’

The songs in this album sound simple and elegant. Any listener can’t help being drawn into the inviting atmospheric tones of this skilled work. Each of the piano notes rings out with clarity and purpose. In some places, Wallack’s compositions feel cinematic. During those moments, we feel a compelling sense of introspection and reflection, the artist aims to evoke in us. The music seems accessible to all, as we instantly get lost in the melodies. Each song speaks highly of Wallack’s rare ability to excel as a composer and a pianist.

When I approached the album as a music reviewer, the intimate nature of the album moved me deeply. Open has the power to invite attention almost spontaneously. The irresistible meditative quality of the notes makes us stop, breathe, and reflect. Long after I listened to the album for the first time, I found the delicate but expansive melodies resonating with me deeply. As a work of music, the album is a successful attempt to provide ample space for personal growth, peace and connection during troubled times.

Exploring the Tracks

#1. Faith

The serene and reflective piano notes of the opening track set the tone for the entire album. Faith provides a kind of gentle introduction to the album’s theme of hope and trust in the face of uncertainty. The music sounds delicate but powerful and conveys a sense of optimism. I found this track an invitation to hold onto hope, even when the world around us might feel uncertain.

#2. Love Story

In this track, the pace changes and the piano notes feel flowing freely. The mood gets romantic, the one that prompts us to connect with our soul deeply to experience self-love. The music in this piece motivates self-growth and makes us wonder at Wallack’s rare ability to evoke emotion through his piano notes.

#3. Fall

Fall is an impactful meditative track, which looks to me like delving into the themes of loss and surrender. The piano lines are slow and descending; mirroring the idea of falling into something unknown. Nevertheless, we find a sense of release and freedom in the music. In this song, we find a motivating space to reflect on the moments of life when learning how to let go of things is important even if it might look difficult.

#4. Changes

In the fourth track Changes, we find a dynamic and evolving piano performance. Similar to the concept of change it refers to, we find the song moving through different stages. The piano notes in this song sound optimistic, suggesting the idea that growth and change are inevitable. While the music moves forward, the melodies celebrate the transitions and ups and downs of life.

#5. Ireland

In the fifth song, Wallack intends to pay a nostalgic tribute to Ireland. People have always perceived a distinctive folk like quality in the landscapes of Ireland, as the Irish landscapes evoke beauty and tranquility. The music in this piece sounds like painting pictures of peaceful vistas. We are transported to a place of peace and serenity to experience a strong connection with nature.

#6. Maine

In a similar fashion to what happens in Ireland, the sixth song Maine invokes the images of the rugged landscape of the East Coast. The piano notes in this song feel expansive like infinitely expanding space. The element of rawness we find in the music makes us wonder at the artist’s ability to paint emotions and landscapes through music. In some ways, I also felt the beauty of solitude in this song.

#7. Once Upon a Time

A highly creative attempt by Wallack, the seventh track sounds as though it is a dreamlike melody. The cinematic quality we come across in this track evokes the feeling of a fairy tale and the idea of a particular special moment suspended in time. The light music of this song enjoins the listener to reminisce on their past memories.

#8. One Last Run

The eighth track sounds energetic, sounding as though the artist wants to convey something serious and important to us. The driving force behind the song helps build the element of progress and intensity as the notes move on. I felt the artist could be suggesting the idea of resilience, reminding us that it is important to keep going amidst daunting times with the hope of finding good times.

#9. Girl in the Painting

I found this song a highly emotional one, imbued with a haunting quality. This is a deeply introspective song that suggests us the ideas of longing and nostalgia, which we often experience while holding on to our memories.

#10. Storm

The final track, Storm, seems to have a deep cleansing effect in the listener. As the piano notes progress, we discover a sense of resolution and calmness, something that resembles the silence that follows a storm. So, ultimately we come across a highly satisfying conclusion to our journey with the tracks, leaving us with the message that after difficult times, there is always a room waiting for us to facilitate healing.

Take Away

To me, Open felt like a remarkable work in the world of contemporary music. The depth and beauty we find in the composition make these songs converse deeply with our souls. Wallack’s exceptional talent in evoking rich emotional landscapes in his listeners is something each one of us would be compelled to appreciate while listening to this album. Open is Wallack’s invitation for self-discovery and self-growth. It suggests you and me that it is always possible to find peace and hope within us during troubled times.