Album: rose ave.
Artist: You + Me
Label: RCA
Release Date: Oct. 14
Grade: A-
Rose ave. is a unexpected collaboration from pop rock singer Alecia Moore, better known as P!nk, and Canadian singer-songwriter Dallas Green, known for his work as City and Colour. The artists have dropped their monikers and formed the duo You + Me.
The product is a 37-minute long, 10-track LP consisting of songs with organic folk and drowsy guitar chords and lyrics discussing themes of heartbreak, loneliness and seeking comfort in others.
The album’s origin is derived from Moore and Green’s desire to collaborate with each other artistically, in which the duo’s name ‘You + Me’ refers to the combination of their talents on the album.
Audibly, You + Me have found comfort in each other as the album incorporates impeccable vocal harmonies from Moore and Green. The opening track, “Capsized” is a clear indication of just that, as it sets the foundation for the rest of the album.
“Capsized” is a haunting, moody, folk-driven song propelled by the metaphor of love being two ships that will inevitably sink.
Moore and Green sing in unison, “We were two ships in the night / Hell bent on trying to survive and capsized.” Green’s voice wraps itself around Moore’s and only lets go to allow her to shine in her raspy contralto inflections.
Throughout the album, there’s an apparent team effort by Moore and Green, in which each artist uses their vocal talent to aid the other and generally emphasize the theme of interpersonal relationships that can rise and fall.
The song “Gently” is an acoustically induced tune that discusses acceptance of a lover and willingness to give love a try. Moore’s voice is slightly more the focus, as Green’s feathery vocals enhance Moore’s light and somber cadences.
Green strums guitar chords that are structurally pensive and introspective as he and Moore sing in unison, “It’s the same old story / Just told on a different day / A ladder on some journey / Down the dark hallway / But I wouldn’t mind / No I wouldn’t mind.”
The album is devoid of superfluous electronic manipulation with all the songs sounding stripped down and honest.
Song such as “You and Me” sustain what is charming about rose ave. as Moore and Green never try to outshine one another, instead musically and lyrically they seem to equally pull inspiration from a shared source.
Their chemistry is acknowledged as the two sing, “You and me we’ve got two minds that think as one / And our hearts march to the same beat / They say everything it happens for a reason.”
There’s no mistaking this relationship is more than just chance.
A standout on the album is “Break the Cycle,” a song composed of guitar and violin arrangements discussing the desire to tear down a lover’s wall.
The chorus is a buildup of emotions supported by the elevation of the instruments. Moore sings in a sturdy, passionate tone, matched with Green’s higher register, “Tell me the words / You long to hear / And I’ll sing them loud and clear.”
Rose ave. reinforces that You + Me consist of equal parts to be shared, Moore and Green balance their effort where both can lament in the spotlight.
The album is about falling into compatibility despite the other’s baggage.
You + Me recorded the album over eight days, and what results is a testament to their compatibility.
Both singers share an introspective and residual glow that illuminates the stories of rose ave.
email: arts@ubspectrum.com
