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October 13, 2024


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Mark Mallman
Mr. Serious (Badman Recording Co.)

By: Alex Steininger

On his latest, Mr. Serious, singer-songwriter Mark Mallman delivers a fun-loving pop record, one that moves away from the autobiographical tendencies of his previous records. Though, in the transition, he's retained some sort of seriousness, at least in the recording of the record, employing a rigid schedule in the studio to ensure a well-produced, glossy record.

And, sure enough, that is what you get with Mr. Serious, Mallman's tightest collection of songs, recording wise, to date.

From the hook-laden, bouncy piano-pop-meets-guitar-rock of "Still Wasted", through the mid-tempo "Hard Night", or the dynamic dance-pop of "I Just Want To Play Piano", Mallman knows his way around a pop hook, having a blast in the process.

"Mr. Serious" is a well laid-out, piano-driven power-pop record that knows how to tone it down and mellow out for effect, before crashing back into a rocking beat that will make you want to shake your ass. In the process, getting you smiling, and singing along.

Mallman makes you move here, and for that reason alone you'll keep coming back to the record. Have some fun, as that is what pop - and rock 'n' roll - is all about and Mallman proves it here. I'll give it a B-.

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