Dustin Schaefer: Self Titled
For his second album, Dustin Schaefer has continued down the same road as his first - Disconnected. The main difference between his first album and this new, self-titled album, Dustin Schaefer, is that the new album has a harder-edge. His is a hard rock, guitar-driven, style. In some cases, reminiscent of what you commonly heard on the radio back in the ’70s & ’80s.
Schaefer draws influences from classic and modern rock guitar virtuosos such as Eric Johnson, and even pop music, which translates to a classic guitar-driven twist on modern arrangements. His guitar playing rivals even the most seasoned players and this album showcases that talent. The proficiency and the tone is like a Joe Walsh riff blending with John Mayer’s smooth solo style. Every note, every verse, every second of music is thought out and very real. Any person can learn guitar, but Schaefer sets himself apart by being able to not only lyrically tell a story, but by being able to make you feel the emotions behind every note.
On his new self-titled album, he adds in more production value. As can be seen in the intro of the first track “Forever” with the fade-in of keyboards then reverse tracking of drums. The song itself feels like an anthem for a Friday or Saturday night out on the town. Freed up from the grind of the week and celebrating that you are young and free.
The first single from the new album is “Hold On” which has been warmly received by Texas radio stations. It’s one of the few slow songs. It has a sweetly nostalgic feel; recalling the best in human nature in the actions of the song’s unnamed subjects who could be any one of us. The bass is, musically, the constant of this song while keys and guitar come in and out as necessary. There is, also, something very comforting about the chorus. “Hold on, hold on to me / I’ll be your rock in the middle of the sea / Hold on, hold on tight / I’ll be your rock in the middle of the night.”
The standout song of the entire album is “Miserable.” This piece is reminiscent of the 80’s power ballad style with its use and sound of the keyboard and being in a minor key. Also, the song is musically anthemic. The musical theme is carried throughout the piece very well, even with its bluesy guitar solo and with the mid-song key change. It is a very well done piece, and the chorus really stays in your head.
“I’d rather be lonely than miserable / And miserable’s how you left me / Go on, forget me / I’d rather be lonely than miserable / And miserable’s what you make me / Don’t give a damn if you hate me.”
The song, as you can see, is only a power ballad in musical styling. The song itself is a dark break up song that packs a serious punch that will make you want to put it on repeat for a while.
Another strong, anthemic piece on this album is also its last track “Teagler’s Ballad.” It starts with a strong and crunchy guitar intro. It has some great harmonic guitar playing that carries the musical theme through the piece. This piece also has another facet to it. It’s named after Jay Teagler, Dustin’s late cousin. The song uses lyrics that Jay had written. This song is hard to define, in terms of feel. While the music is in terms of genre - hard rock, the lyrics fall between melancholy and loss. While I see these ingredients as being a bit mutually exclusive, the song flows well overall.
Overall, the new album shows how much Dustin has progressed as an artist, songwriter, and a guitar player. His influences, if you are familiar with their work, are readily present and well blended in his style. Dustin, through his playing, walks you through a wide range of emotions from joy, pain, anger, love, lust, and loss. This album is one to add to your collection and listen to as you watch this young man progress in his art.
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