Eagle-Eye Cherry – Become A Light
After years of relative quiet, Eagle-Eye Cherry returns with his seventh studio album “Become A Light”, a work that sees the Swedish artist rediscovering where his heart truly lies. Cherry, son of jazz legend Don Cherry and best known for the global hit “Save Tonight”, has delivered an album that sounds both nostalgic and surprisingly contemporary.
The album was born in two different worlds. Half was created in Los Angeles alongside songwriter-producer Jamie Hartman and The Killers bassist Mark Stoermer, whilst the other half took shape in Sweden with his regular musical partner Peter Kvint. This geographical duality results in an intriguing tension between American rock aesthetics and Scandinavian songwriting tradition.
“Just Because”, the album opener, immediately sets the tone with its Tom Petty-esque Americana sound. The song breathes the melancholy of suburban ennui whilst simultaneously offering the promise of something better. Cherry’s voice sounds more mature than ever, with a rawness that perfectly suits the theme of abandoning comfort zones. The production is deliberately organic, with real drums and guitars given space to breathe.
“Hate To Love”, the lead single, demonstrates Cherry’s ability to craft accessible pop music without sacrificing his artistic integrity. The track emerged spontaneously during a session at the legendary Sunset Marquis hotel, and that spontaneity is audible in the playful interaction between instruments. Stoermer’s bass lines give the song a modern edge that recalls the finest moments of The Killers.
“Chasing Down A Dream” forms the album’s modern heart. Here Cherry sounds tight and contemporary without betraying his roots. Hartman’s production creates a polished yet not sterile sound that works perfectly for radio play. It’s a track that proves Cherry still knows how to write a hook that lingers in your head for days.
Weaker moments exist too. “Long Way Home”, despite its direct approach, feels somewhat one-dimensional, as if the emotional weight isn’t quite matched by the musical execution. Several tracks in the album’s middle section tend to blend into one another, diminishing their impact.
Cherry’s choice to return to the rock and post-punk of his New York youth proves a wise decision. The album feels alive and authentic, like a middle-aged man finally finding what he’d been searching for all along. The contrasts he mentions between dry directness and modern tightness create a dynamic that keeps the album engaging.
“Become A Light” isn’t a revolutionary album, but it is a satisfying and mature work from an artist who knows who he is again. Cherry proves you don’t necessarily need to invent something new to remain relevant. Sometimes it’s enough to simply make honest and passionate music. For fans of classic Americana rock and anyone who appreciated Cherry’s earlier work, this album marks a welcome return to form. (7/10) (Own production)
