Life (2024)

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Please note this has been edited to fit. Click below to read the entire interview.

After a 20+ year hiatus, Rob returns to writing and recording music. He visits with Coyote Music about that experience, getting his kids' help with social media promotion, and more!

Coyote Music: Your bio talks about your long break from music, more than 20 years. And it was during the pandemic where you 'rediscovered your passion for songwriting'. First, what was it that led to your break from music? Then during the pandemic, what was it that brought music back to the forefront for you? Was it merely the choice of watching TV, playing video games, or picking up the guitar again, and you happened to choose the latter?

Rob Lalain: When I walked away from music in 1999, it was solely to raise my family and be a dad to my kids. You know it started as going to kid’s events and turned into coaching football and basketball. I am proud to say that I coached two of my kids from grade school through high school which afforded me a lot of time with my kids as they were growing up.

In 2020, when Covid hit, I was stuck at home and needed something to do. I was listening to a lot of music at the time and something struck me about the instruments The Beatles used on their later albums. That’s when I discovered the role that the Epiphone Casino electric guitar played in most of their albums from Revolver on and decided to get one. I truly believed when I bought I was just going to try and teach myself some of those songs but it turned into me also picking up and using GarageBand on my iMac. Next thing I knew, I had pulled out a number of my instruments and wrote my first new song in over 20+ years called "The Lows". It was a short number with an addictive beat/rhythm that when I played it to my family and close friends, I was shocked that people were into it and wanted more. From there, the floodgates opened and the songs began to flow.

Coyote Music: Influences. Much of your album "Life" has a really 'big' sound to it. Kinda late-era Beatles, maybe some Phil Spector influence. Are those among the artists who you've been inspired by or am I way off?

RL: You’re spot on! The Beatles have had the biggest influence on my life both musically and personally. When I discovered them in 1984, a bright light went on in my head that I could write songs and learn how to play the guitar and piano. The big sound you hear on “Life” is becoming more of my style of music. I love taking a song from simple to complex. I don’t think I am trying to recreate Phil Spector's “Wall of Sound” but I just enjoy rock music with strings and brass; really Sgt. Pepperish.

"Sometimes they just come back. Just like a certain artist by the name of Rob Lalain who unexpectedly shows up at the door with a remarkable new album: “Life” in his luggage. After a 20-year break, Lalain returned to music during the 2020 lockdown and rekindled his passion. Released back in February 2023, this album features both new songs and remastered tracks from his previous career. “Life” is a testament to his musical development and shows that it is never too late to start over as a musician.

Profound songwriting meets musical diversity
The album opens with the energetic track ‘Coming Home’, which immediately sets the stage for an emotional journey. The pulsating percussion and subtle but effective guitar work create a layered soundscape. The chorus is catchy and the vocals are simply breathtaking. The guitar work during the chorus has a deep, resonant tone that fits perfectly with the rest of the song.

‘Bulletproof’, another highlight of the album, impresses with a heavy funk bass line and dreamy guitar sounds. The collaboration with Sean Weyers gives the song an additional dimension. Their voices harmonize beautifully and the acoustic elements add an almost different world to the track. This song is about resilience and strength in the face of heartbreak and loss.

About love, loss and self-discovery
“Life” is not only musically impressive, but also thematically profound. Songs like 'Never Going To Walk Away From You' and 'You Ain't the One' explore themes of love, loss and self-discovery. Lalain's lyrics are evocative and introspective, capturing universal emotions and leaving a lasting impression.

The title track ‘Life’ is perhaps the most powerful piece on the album. With its complex melodies and profound lyrics, it encapsulates the essence of the entire album and serves as a powerful manifesto of resilience and renewal.

Guitars – We need more guitars!
Instrumentally, “Life” is a masterpiece. Lalain uses a variety of guitars, including the 1957 Fender American Telecaster Pro and the 1966 Fender Jazz Bass, which give the album a rich texture. The use of a variety of instruments such as harpsichord, violin and cello further enriches the sound and creates a multi-dimensional listening experience. The detailed arrangements and top-notch production ensure that every instrument shines and contributes to the cohesive and polished feel of the album.

Our rating:
➤ Songwriting: 10 out of 10
➤ Composition: 9.5 out of 10 points
➤ Musical ability: 10 out of 10
➤ Production: 10 out of 10 points

➤ Overall rating: 9.7 out of 10 points
Our conclusion:

Rob Lalain's "Life" is a triumphant comeback that reflects his journey of rediscovery and commitment to authenticity. With a blend of classic rock influences and modern sensibilities, “Life” stands as a powerful and melodic testament to the healing and connecting power of music. Not only has Lalain made a successful return to the music world, but he has also set the bar high for his future works. This album is a deeply moving and artistically rich experience that will resonate with listeners for a long time.."

Please note this has been edited to fit. Click below to read the entire review.

"Rob Lalain’s musical comeback is a striking example of how old passions can be reignited. After stepping away from music for 20 years, Lalain found himself drawn back to songwriting during the 2020 lockdown. This unexpected turn of events lit a creative fire, leading to the release of his (last) album in February 2023, which featured six new songs alongside some remastered tracks.

Now, we turn our attention to Lalain’s latest offering, “Life.” This new release continues to showcase his renewed passion, blending fresh material with updated versions of his earlier work. It’s a collection that not only represents Lalain’s musical growth but also serves as an inspiring example of how it’s never too late to pursue one’s artistic ambitions.

In this overview, we’ll explore some of the standout tracks from “Life,” examining how Lalain’s two-decade break has shaped his sound and songwriting.

As I pressed play on “Coming Home,” I was greeted by a cool blend of sounds. The track opens with a pulsating percussion that has a funky edge to it, accompanied by what sounds like a hollow woodwind instrument. It’s an unexpected but welcome combination that got my interest right from the start.

The track “Bulletproof” featuring Sean Weyers kicks off with a heavy funk bassline that sounds very cool. It’s soon joined by dreamy guitar tones that elevate the mood and create an interesting contrast. This blend of funk and ethereal elements sets up an nice tone before the vocals even begin.

‘The End of Time’ continues the album’s easy-going vibe, with a prominent twangy sound that creates a cool effect throughout the track. There’s an interesting echo-like gong effect that adds depth to the song’s sound and chimes in and our from time to time.

As we reach the end of “Life,” (the album that is) it’s clear that Rob Lalain’s return to music has been nothing short of remarkable. This album is a powerful reminder of the creative potential that can lie dormant within us, waiting for the right moment to emerge. His blend of easy-going vibes and deeper, more contemplative elements creates a unique sound that’s both accessible and thought-provoking. The production quality throughout is top-notch, with each instrument and vocal performance given room to shine.

What’s super impressive is how seamlessly Lalain has integrated his older material with his updated stuff. There’s a cohesiveness to the album that belies the gap in his musical career. It’s as if he’s picked up right where he left off, but with added depth and perspective that only time can bring.  And I’m for one very grateful that he has continued."

"Rob Lalain Shines with New Album “Life”: A Triumph of Songwriting and Storytelling

The much-anticipated album "Life" by talented artist Rob Lalain has finally arrived; released on July 8, 2024, this 14-track masterpiece showcases Lalain's artistic maturity and versatility, solidifying his place in the contemporary music scene. Following the success of his comeback album "Back to the Start," "Life" continues to captivate listeners with its brilliant songwriting, intense performances, and deeply resonant storytelling.

Rob Lalain’s return to music after a 20+ year hiatus is a story of rediscovery and resilience. Locked down at home during the Covid pandemic in 2020, Lalain reconnected with his passion for songwriting. This period of introspection and creativity led to the release of four new songs that year: “The Lows…”, “She Walks Away”, “Back To The Start”, and “Always There (Just Out Of Sight)”. These tracks marked the beginning of a prolific new chapter in his musical journey.

In 2021, Lalain continued to build momentum with three more songs from sessions with Ryan Tedder: “Come Back Home”, “Thousand Eyes”, and “The Roses”. By 2022, Lalain had enough material to start working on a full-length album, releasing “All I Want Is Love” that year. This laid the groundwork for “Back To The Start: The Album,” which dropped on February 10, 2023, and was met with critical acclaim.

Now, with “Life,” Lalain has taken his artistry to new heights. The album, 18 months in the making, features recent singles “Coming Home”, “Never Going To Walk Away From You”, and “Bulletproof”, alongside 11 brand new songs. Each track on “Life” is a testament to Lalain’s exceptional songwriting abilities and his knack for crafting compelling narratives that resonate deeply with listeners.

From the opening notes of “Coming Home” to the closing strains of the final track, “Life” is an album that invites listeners on a soulful journey through Lalain’s world. His music is infused with a sense of positivity and hope, offering a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. “Life” is a cohesive narrative that explores the human experience. Tracks like “Never Going To Walk Away From You” and “Bulletproof” highlight Lalain’s ability to blend personal storytelling with universal themes, creating music that is both intimate and widely relatable. His powerful and emotive performances bring the songs to life, making “Life” an album that listeners will return to again and again."

"What a surprise to come across Coyote Music's second artist hailing from Novi, Michigan! Rob Lalain has just released his follow-up to the February 2023 album Back to the Start. This effort, entitled simply Life, embodies a gritty realism you hear more often in Midwest artists. Maybe it's a blue collar thing, maybe it's the weather. Who knows? But what Life gives you here is straightforward rock 'n' roll.

From a production standpoint, Lalain phases vocals more often than not, setting a bit of a grooving tone. There's a blend of chunky guitar tones and spacey, almost New Wave sounding reverb-heavy guitar sounds. His snares are fat and tempos come straight at you with a mid-tempo unabashedness.

When the pandemic hit, you had droves of people learning how to bake sourdough or pull off a good tie-dye job on their old t-shirts. For Rob Lalain, though, he revisited writing and recording music. After more than 20 years away from it, he dove headlong right back in. And it seems to have stuck! The first track "Coming Home" conveys an almost triumphant tone, perhaps from his rediscovery of the joy of expression that songwriting creates.

But he didn't stop at songwriting. For the second track on the album, "Bulletproof," Lalain's put together a video--a blend of stock video and studio footage, telling a bit of a visual tale to accompany the lyrical story.

What's great about Lalain's story is that many of us shelve our artistic side in favor of "getting a day job," paying bills, fighting the daily grind. But he's come back to honor the right side of his brain. And now two albums into it, he's building his musical career where he left off back toward the turn of the century. Discovery more about Rob Lalain, follow him on socials, and stream Life and his other releases, all found at roblalainmusic.com."

"After a two-decade hiatus, Rob's return to the music scene is marked by an album that resonates with authenticity, emotional depth, and a timeless quality. Rob Lalain's album Life is a remarkable journey through the realms of classic rock and pop, masterfully crafted by an artist who has not only found his voice again but has also refined it to an impressive degree.

From the opening track to the final note, Life is a testament to Rob's meticulous attention to detail and his passion for music. The album opens with the energetic and introspective "Coming Home," a track that sets the tone for what is to come.

Rob’s collaboration with Sean Weyers on "Bulletproof" and “You Ain’t The One” adds a refreshing dynamic to the album. These tracks blend Rob's classic rock roots with contemporary influences, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and modern. Sean’s contributions bring a new dimension to Rob’s music, highlighting the versatility and adaptability of his style.

The heart of the album lies in its lyrical content. Songs like "Out Of Here" and "Never Going To Walk Away From You" delve deep into themes of love, loss, and personal growth. Rob’s songwriting is poignant and reflective, capturing the essence of human experience with lines that linger in the mind long after the music has stopped.

Tracks like "A Life Without Goodbyes" and "Roses In The Rain" - showcase Rob's ability to blend his classic style with modern production techniques. These songs are polished yet retain the organic feel that is characteristic of Rob’s music. The meticulous production work ensures that each instrument and vocal line shines through, contributing to the album's overall cohesiveness.

The album’s title track, "Life," is a standout piece that encapsulates the essence of the entire record. Its intricate arrangements and heartfelt lyrics make it a powerful anthem of resilience and renewal, leaving listeners with a sense of hope and longing, perfectly wrapping up the emotional journey of the album.

Rob Lalain’s Life is more than just an album; it is a statement of artistic rebirth. It reflects his journey of rediscovery and his unwavering dedication to his craft. With its blend of classic influences and modern sensibilities, Life stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to heal, inspire, and connect. Rob has not only reclaimed his place in the music world but has also set a new standard for his future works. This album is a profound and melodic offering that will resonate with listeners for years to come."

"There is something really cool going on in the songs that make up Life, something that just deftly pushes the sound of the singer-songwriter into slightly more off-kilter territory. And I mean that in the very best of ways. If you are tired of the same old acoustic guitar-wielding troubadour making the same old sound, then Rob Lalain’s your man.

Each song on Life seems to come from a slightly less obvious place. Whether it is the Seargent Pepper-esque pop-stomp of the opener Coming Home, the wailing and gnashing of sonic teeth of You Ain’t The One, the shimmering, dream-state vibes of End of Time, or the searing, stadium-ready anthemics of Never Going To Walk Away From You, each song seems to offer a different take on what the modern pop-rock troubadour can be.

The songs ebb and flow between the acoustic and understated and the full band sonic tsunami, between infectious pop and driven rock, between the personal and the universally relatable. And at their best, juggles all of these elements at once.

This isn’t exactly the sound of the mainstream songwriter; it’s the sound of the music made by the guy standing to the left of the mainstream songwriter. And that is always going to be better, as this album proves."

"Get ready to embark on a musical adventure with Rob Lalain’s new album, Life. After twenty years, he returns to the music industry showcasing an authentic, emotional, and timeless quality on his album, expertly produced by an artist who has rediscovered and polished his voice.

The self-taught multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter shares his remarkable soundscapes and poignant storytelling about the human experience, serving as a major turning point in Rob’s career with, Life.

Rob has been painstakingly crafting, Life, for the past eighteen months, fusing Beatles-esque melodies and inventive orchestration with aspects of classic rock and pop. His music has a timeless, melodic tone, and energetic sounds influenced by his lifelong love of The Beatles and Paul McCartney. Rob performs all of the instruments and vocals on this album, except two joint performances, marking his first collaborations in more than 20 years, with Sean Weyers on the songs “Bulletproof” and “You Ain’t The One”.

Life, has a varied extensive collection of guitars, harpsichords, violins, and cellos that enhance the album’s sonic landscape, creating a multifaceted listening experience. The rich and flavourful depth and texture provided by Rob’s vast collection of guitars enriches the album’s aural environment and provides a varied listening experience.

Rob put his heart and soul into each song on the album from the outset. The album is a sumptuous, elaborate compilation of tracks that highlight his strong affinity for vintage pop and rock, as well as his musical inspirations and personal development. His skill is evident as he skillfully combines current aspects with the timeless sense of his classic rock roots through sincere songs, soulful vocals, and engaging instrumentation to create a stunning performance that is both elegant and powerful.

The musical masterwork of Rob Lalain captivates listeners with his intriguing energy and poignant story. The aftertaste of, Life, lingers long after the album has finished."

"Rob Lalain's new album, Life, is a triumphant return. The album is a lush, intricate collection of songs that showcase his deep connection to classic rock and pop, reflecting his influences and personal journey through music.

From the moment Life begins, it's clear that Rob has poured his heart and soul into every track. The opener, 'Coming Home', immediately sets the stage with its infectious energy and heartfelt lyrics, drawing listeners into a world where every note tells a story. 

The emotional depth of Life is striking, with songs like 'Never Going To Walk Away From You' and 'You Ain't the One'.

Instrumentally, Life is a masterpiece. Rob's extensive use of diverse instruments like the harpsichord, violin, and cello further enriches the sound, creating a multi-dimensional auditory experience. The detailed arrangements and expert production work ensure that every instrument shines, contributing to the album's cohesive and polished feel.

Rob Lalain's Life reflects his journey of rediscovery, his dedication to authenticity, and his ability to create music that is both timeless and contemporary."

"Rob Lalain's 'Life' is a masterful blend of classic rock and pop, imbued with a timeless, Beatlesque quality. It showcases Rob's exceptional skill as a self-taught musician, with intricate instrumentals and soulful vocals that resonate deeply.  

‘Life’ not only highlights Rob's musical evolution but also his ability to connect with listeners through authentic and emotionally charged lyrics. 'Life' is a testament to Rob's enduring passion and talent, making it a significant addition to his impressive discography."

"Celebrated rock artist Rob Lalain makes a powerful statement with the release of his latest album, “Life,” a 14-song masterpiece that marks the zenith of his musical renaissance. Following a more than two-decade hiatus, Lalain’s resurgence in the music industry has been nothing short of phenomenal, and “Life” is poised to solidify his place in the annals of rock history.

“Life” is more than an album; it is a reflection of Lalain’s personal and artistic journey. The tracks are imbued with the influence of his musical idols, The Beatles and Oasis, yet each song is distinctly Rob Lalain. From the anthemic choruses to the introspective lyrics, “Life” offers a rich tapestry of sound that will resonate with fans old and new.

For those who have followed his journey, “Life” is a celebration of Rob Lalain’s enduring spirit and his remarkable ability to connect with audiences through his music. For new listeners, it is an invitation to experience the depth and breadth of his artistry."

"After cementing himself with his vibrant debut LP 'Back To The Start' last year, self-taught multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Rob Lalain is back on the grind once again to deliver his stunning sophomore album 'Life'.

Featuring the previously shared outings 'Coming Home', 'Never Going To Walk Away From You' and 'Bulletproof', this new fourteen-track collection makes for an incredibly rich and alluring listen. Filled with immersive textures, a soaring atmosphere, and mesmerizing hooks layered throughout, 'Life' continues to establish him as one of the more exciting names on the rise right now."