Tor Miller — American English (Glassnote Records, 2016)
Tor Miller’s fan base may not be vast, but with the release of his debut LP American English, he is likely to gain a whole new audience. The 13-track album features only two songs from his debut EP Headlights (2015)—the title track and “Midnight”—providing old and new fans with plenty of new material to take in. While most of the songs on the album err on the side of pop rather than the piano-driven ballads he is becoming known for, Miller manages to incorporate the right amount of soul in his instrumentals and earnest lyrics. He has successfully distanced himself from the boy bands of his generation, putting himself in a category all on its own. His adoration of New York City shines through in songs like “Washington Square Park,” “Rag N Bone” and “Chelsea,” making American English a love letter to the city he was born and raised in.
7.5/10
Trial Track: “All Fall Down”
