Sweet and sincere, Wayne Merdinger’s “Hidden Gems” is exactly that, a gem hidden in the endless piles of indie folk rock. The thirteen-track LP is a collection of a few remastered previous releases and a handful of unheard singles. Merdinger’s soft-spoken vocals ease the listener into a comfortable as he tells his story.
The opening and title track, “Hidden Gems,” is a syrupy rock ballad to which listeners will find themselves involuntarily gently swaying. Bright, plucky mandolin backs Chicago-esque piano, complete with an anthemic sing-along chorus. It’s a highlight that welcomes listeners into the singer/songwriter’s stylings.
“Missing You” evokes a bit of Phil Collins with a dash of Journey slow jams. Merdinger clearly had some heartbreak to get off his chest with this one. And though it’s a breakup song that conveys the pain of love lost, it isn’t an overly dramatic, mournful dirge. “Missing You” retains just enough pep in its step to keep the listener engaged.
Halfway through the LP, “Abbey Road” kicks things up just a bit. The excellent production work by Scott Leader shines clearest on this one. Each instrument has its own distinct space on the song, but all work cohesively for this Beatles tribute. If “Hidden Gems” has listeners gently swaying, “Abbey Road” has them air drumming along with the kicks and snares.
And a couple of tracks later, “Times Are Changing” takes the pace up another notch or two. The song kicks off with a funky rock organ that sets the tone for the LP’s most upbeat track. However, the cheery drums and keys are a stark contrast to the somewhat morbid subject matter. Times are indeed changing, and Merdinger sings about the division and strife that afflicts us all.
“Hidden Gems” takes the listeners on a ride through Merdinger’s career. The collection features original releases that span the last three decades. It’s a rare and sweet treat in an endless ocean of samey singer/songwriters. This hidden gem is polished to a sparkling shine.
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