Hollywood Brown - Reverberator

Review by Karl Magi

Overall Album Impressions

Hollywood Brown’s Reverberator is a classic slice of authentic '80s synth rock brought to exciting life. His dedication to ensuring that as many elements as possible are created with original equipment from that era gives the music authenticity, but it is his enthusiasm and ability that truly animates the album. Between his galvanizing vocal abilities, guitar talent and unstoppable energy, he weaves an intoxicating, nostalgic musical journey.

One of the elements I enjoy about Reverberator is the way Hollywood Brown uncompromisingly recreates the sound of the 1980s. His desire to produce music using original, period equipment gives it an unmistakable sound and deepens the feeling of immersion in that era. It is always compelling when an artist works so hard to evoke a particular sound—and succeeds.

Another factor that draws me to Reverberator is the combination of songwriting and vocal ability displayed by Hollywood Brown. He writes songs that tell tales of love, loss and desire under the summer sun, capturing the emotions and dynamism of those experiences with his unmistakable and thrilling voice. The result is music that reaches out, grabs me by the scruff of the neck and pulls me in, immersing me completely in his world.

Hollywood Brown’s guitar playing is another strong draw for me. His skills are undeniable and he imbues his guitar work with the same level of energetic freedom that fills his voice. The guitar solos are intricate and well-considered, while the overall sound of the instrument brings rocking power and a joyous wildness to the music.

My Favourite Songs Analyzed

“Heartbreaker” starts with sharp drums moving along with bell-like synth ringing out. The drums help guide the bright bells as Hollywood Brown dynamically delivers the lyrics. The drums and bass form a steady retort beneath the glowing synth as Hollywood Brown’s voice calls out.

His guitar twists with vigorous life as the vocals jump with lively motion. A fragile synth contrasts with the dancing guitar as Hollywood Brown captures the lyrics' emotion. A metallic synth adds illumination as the low end pushes the music forward.

I enjoy Hollywood Brown’s emotive performance here. His guitar slices through with flying energy and a glassy synth floats in the distance as the drums add a clean edge. Now a guitar solo slices out with a bluesy sound. The chorus comes in with addictive energy as the song ends on a flaring synth.

As the sun comes up, the narrator lies awake and when he closes his eyes, all he can see is the song subject’s face. He says that she is "the habit that I'm trying to break" because she turns him on and drives him insane. He has to get up for work but still has "your makeup and your smell on my shirt." Even though he doesn't have the other person saved in his phone, he still ends up taking her home.

Our storyteller says that "this is the last night" because they both know it doesn't feel right. He adds that he doesn't want her to be his but "I am outta time." He calls her a heartbreaker and doesn't know why he's falling for her. He adds that she is "the mistake that I can't undo."

At 4 AM, the narrator is up walking the streets. He adds that "the bars are empty and the city's asleep." He asks if anyone can hear him when he calls for help but ends up saying that "I'll just try saving myself."

Our storyteller is awake and "my head is a mess." He says he's got a burning ache in his chest. He adds that she tries to take everything from him because "someday you know I'm gonna be free."

Electrifying drums burst, a synth rings and Hollywood Brown’s guitar whips in a rocking riff as “Miami Beach” begins. The drums are steady and the glittering synth flies past with an energizing melody. The vocals are carried by Hollywood Brown’s uplifting, powerful voice with a propulsive melody. The drums cascade and the guitar forms an angular pulsation as the synth shimmers.

An electric guitar carries the melody with exciting, dynamic life as the low end continues to throb. Bell-like notes shine and the drums and bass launch the music forward. The vocals are strong and capture a 1980s synth-rock sound. The guitar slices again, roaming with compelling power that grabs my ears.

The bass continues to dance with unstoppable power and Hollywood Brown’s guitar rings out in a clean solo that rocks hard, flying through the music. The vocals leap out again as the drums continue to pulse and the track comes to an end on the guitar.

The narrator tells the song's subject that he's going to take her back with "one less road to choose." He says it doesn't matter what the odds are because they haven't got anything left to lose. He wishes that he "could take you far away from here," and as they run away together, he would also take away her fear.

Our storyteller asks the other person to take him down to Miami Beach, "towards the place where lovers meet." He tells the song's subject that he'll always love her and says that under the sun she can "come feel the heat."

Now the narrator tells the song's subject that it's just them against the world, adding that he'll be a shoulder for her to cry on. He reminds her that their love is all they need, like a "beacon in the sky." He asks her to drive into the sunset with him, pointing out that "we'll make it if we try."

Our storyteller concludes that they'll dance every day and every night "until the feeling’s right." They'll dance until the morning light as he can't take any more lonely nights.

“Heaven Help Me” kicks off as twanging electric guitar tumbles in a funky pulse above the bursting drums. Groovy guitar entangles as sparkling, xylophone-like notes ring out along with brassy sounds. Hollywood Brown's voice carries the tumbling, bouncing melody above the hard-hitting low end.

Guitar leaps out with dynamic flair as the incredibly catchy chorus dances . Shiny synth floats out with a flickering light as the song drives on. I enjoy the slap bass’ undeniable propulsion as the drums fly out along with solid bass. Hollywood Brown’s vocals have a charming, ‘80’s quality that suits the music well.

The ear-catching chorus jumps out as the drums and bass explode with motion. Glistening, chiming synth adds more sparkle. Now Hollywood Brown’s guitar unwinds in a bluesy, energetic solo. The song ends on the chorus and rebounding drums and bass, along with gleaming synth and Hollywood Brown's wildly flickering guitar.

The narrator wonders whether the other person's attraction came from nowhere or from deep inside them. He asks, "Did you have those feelings that you just can't hide?" He questions if he was desperate and if he allowed the other person to lie. On the other hand, he asks, "Did I break the system? Did I let it die?"

Our storyteller says that the song's subject broke his heart and tore him apart. He continues by saying that “I can't be stronger any longer. My heaven help me." He is left wondering if the other person ever loved him or if they were just pretending

The narrator questions whether or not he's got the strength to stand up again. He concludes by saying he knows that the song’s subject is thinking they might just be friends. He disabuses them of that notion by saying “I have to leave you, this is where it ends. "

An echoing, disembodied guitar rings out and ethereal notes float in the distance as "Made 4 Me" commences. The guitar has a haunting, bluesy feeling as it calls out above the smoothly pulsing drums. Glittering synth infuses the music with brightness as Hollywood Brown’s fervent voice calls out, backed by the shiny synth and the drums explode.

Hollywood Brown sings with intensity and emotive expression, carrying the drifting melody. The guitar has a metallic quality as it winds above the hard-hitting low end. The guitar cries out with ardent feelings, shimmering and dancing, as the vocals add yearning weight. The drums snap like a gunshot and Hollywood Brown captures the desire in the lyrics. I enjoy the fiery need in the vocal performance.

The guitar solo is engaging as it adds a fervent feeling. The guitar entangles as the drums press on and the vocals call out with longing before the song comes to an end.

The narrator met the song’s subject when he least expected his life to keep going the way it was. He points out that the other person found him and "gave me a reason to keep on moving." He says that now he's got her by his side and looking into her eyes he sees "dreams I can't describe."

Our storyteller has given the song's subject his heart and he'll make her see that "this is a sign, I guess you're made for me." He tells the other person not to worry about what came before them because "these old memories, ain’t nothin’ but stardust."

Now, the narrator tells the song’s subject that if they "stumble or get lost in the rain," they'll be guided by their love’s flame. He adds, "You have my heart and you make it glow." He concludes, "Take my hand and our love will flow, what do you know?"

"Dance Til We Die" starts as a xylophone trickles percussively and the guitar snarls. A charging drumbeat moves with the aggressively slashing guitar and the chiming synth sparkles with exciting liveliness.

Hollywood Brown's voice erupts with heat and desire, the drums pulsing in a rushing line as the bass descends. The xylophone continues to ripple in the distance as the vocals fly with intensity while the drums burst. The guitar unfurls with irrepressible speed and the vocals are full of unbridled energy.

The shining synth bursts out with dynamic liveliness as the xylophone moves with the explosive drums. The song's energy is something I find most enjoyable. The active drum beat creates a bopping feeling. There's need within Hollywood Brown's voice as the guitar flies out again, driven by the low end.

The chorus is encouraging and full of intense emotion. Hollywood Brown’s guitar solo exudes unstoppable strength, carrying a sense of dancing. The main melody returns to move the music forward as the vocals echo one more time and the song ends.

Our storyteller tells the song’s subject that he likes her dress and "the way it glitters on the dance floor." He’s impressed even though he doesn't know what he's letting himself in for. He says that he likes "your moves, the way you're busting to the beat," as he asks the song's subject to show him more because he can't wait any longer or "take the heat."

The narrator tells the song's subject that they can make it if they try and says, "So get up on the floor and we will dance till we die." He asks the song's subject what she's drinking because "a girl like you should only have champagne." He asks if it's his round because "you’d know if I had my way in this game."

Our storyteller tells the song’s subject that he likes her eyes and asks what he can get her from the bar. As the song concludes, he asks if the car outside is hers and says, "Go on and take the wheel, we won't get very far."

Drums erupt into a muscled beat as a delicately shining synth moves along with quick, hard edged surges as “Hold On” opens. The drums are gigantic and propulsive as the synth shifts darkly. Hollywood Brown's voice flies with wild abandon as the drums and entangling guitar skip through the music.

Hollywood Brown's vocals have an irrepressible power that I find compelling while his guitar charges with bright liveliness. The chorus is full of encouragement and strength as the bursting guitar cries out. The vocals seize hold of the lyrics and propel them with conviction.

The drums continue to punch hard as the guitar unfolds in electrifying motion. Hollywood Brown fills the song with impassioned strength while the guitar adds a brilliant shine. The drums erupt again and the vocals fly out with characteristic expression before the song comes to an end.

The narrator says, "There's a snake in the grass round every door," but notes that the song's subject is still there, "begging for more." He wishes that they could find a better way but believes, "We'll get there no matter what they say. There's a universe for us to explore," along with so many opportunities they can't neglect.

Our storyteller knows that it's easy to be scared because "your doubts will drive you insane," so he plays his guitar and tries to create a better life. He adds, "Someday I'll be a star, I know I'll get it right," and asks the song's subject to hold on.

Now the narrator says, "You gotta work it if you're going to make it, you got the rhythm so you better shake it." He adds that if they stick together, they'll make it and when he sees the record, he's going to break it. He continues, "We gave our lives to rock 'n' roll."

Life is compared to a stage on which they're going to put on a show and the storyteller says, "Ignore the needles that they insert," pointing out that you can't go as far as you need to without getting hurt. He goes on to say, "We're making plans and we're making dough."

“Lost My Heart on the Dancefloor” begins as an intensely uplifting guitar riff slashes in along with bursting drums. Chimes sparkle and Hollywood Brown's voice explodes with desire as the drums launch forward again. A trumpeting synth flashes out with dynamism as Hollywood Brown's vocals capture all of the need bursting from the lyrics.

The drums and bass have a steady heartbeat while the guitar slices in, its sharp edges driving with undeniable strength as the vocals catch the emotional intensity radiating from the lyrics. Chimes flicker as the drums continue to pulsate, moving with raging energy.

I find Hollywood Brown’s voice engaging and thrilling as he delivers all of the emotional impact of the lyrics. Now, shiny notes ring out above an energetically driving beat while radiance continues to fill the music. The bass riff is catchy and the track keeps moving unrelentingly forward before ending.

The narrator concludes, "If you get down, you better get down low," stating that one needs to "quit lying face down in the dirt" so they can face the crowd and get working. The narrator talks about keeping his eyes wide open, adding that he couldn't resist even if he wanted to.

He continues, "You could make black holes collide, the way you move makes me lose my mind." He wishes the song's subject would quit "messing with my head" because she shakes him up like a heart attack while he tries to stay on track.

Our storyteller has tried to turn the song's subject away, but she keeps coming back and he "gave it all, but you wanted more." He hopes that she's gotten what she wanted as she forced her way through the door he left open while "I lost my heart on the dance floor."

Now the narrator says that when she asked him if he wanted to dance, he didn't want to leave anything to chance. He "did not refuse when you took my hands, I was drawn to your strange romance." He kept waiting for a sign but asks, "Was I just stupid, or was it the wine?" concluding that he was a "hot mess under a moonlit sky."

Hollow percussion and a kick drum movie into space as a tenderly levitating synth descends along with a glimmering chime to open “Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right.” The percussion continues to throb as a twisting synth moves before Hollywood Brown’s vocals caress my ears, aching with loss and betrayal.

Drums continue to guide the music as Hollywood Brown captures the mixed hurt and anger in the vocals. Ethereally chiming notes shimmer as the drum beat continues to pulse and the guitar wriggles. The vocal performance is full of depth and emotion while a jazz organ is touched by the softly floating guitar. Hollywood Brown’s voice carries a mysterious melody as the bright notes glitter while the pulsing drum beat continues to move.

The guitar has a haunting feeling as it slips in—easygoing but enigmatic. As the chorus calls out, breathy synth gleams delicately, moving along with the steady drums. Hollywood Brown’s guitar solo is yearning and wistful, roaming out with a blues-inflected feeling. The drums continue to shape the music as the guitar howls before the track ends.

Our storyteller speaks to the song’s subject, saying that they "saw the shadows through a rainstorm, followed the light that showed you the way." He trusted the other person when they opened the door, knowing that "things would never be the same."

The other person sometimes asked what they were doing it for and "wrote down the things that you couldn't say" as they promised themselves they couldn't take it anymore and "kept on singing every single day."

The narrator points out that two wrongs don't make a right, but "the world seems brighter in the morning light." He repeats that two wrongs don't make a right, "turning tricks in the dead of night." He tells the other person that he'll let them know when he finds them, asking, "Do broken stars find their other half?"

Now our storyteller says that "every waking moment is the time to make other plans, find a second chance." He asks if the other person will be true or "left speaking in tongues?" as he wonders if they can just let things pass them by. He concludes, "Will you be ready when the time comes to look yourself in the eye?"

Conclusion

Reverberator is a truly enjoyable journey through the world of '80s synth rock. The album avoids becoming clichéd while still diving deep into the signature sound of the era. I believe this is largely due to the sheer musical skill and enthusiasm of Hollywood Brown, along with his ability to belt out a tune. The end result is a compulsively listenable album.