Asbury Park by Dean Harlem
New-Jersey native Dean Harlem delivers vulnerable, meaningful country songwriting with an intimately simple Americana performance on his 2019 debut album, Asbury Park. The songs have great lyrical imagery and relatable stories that make this album easy to fall in love with.
The title and leading track, “Asbury Park,” references Harlem’s New Jersey roots. It starts off with lyrics that paint a picture to immerse you in the setting: “the sun’s coming up from under the ocean; rising right where the water meets the heaven.” The guitar is a nice bright timbre that contrasts well with Harlem’s full bodied voice. The absence of drums, simplicity of the bass, and tasteful electric guitar arrangement allows the vocal performance and lyrics to shine through. The reverb on the vocals adds to the theme of loneliness. Anyone who has doubted another’s commitment or investment in a relationship or felt that they’ve been in a one-sided relationship will relate to this song, like the lyrics “Would you come see me if I drove there all night long?” These lyrics show how much action one person is willing to put in, while doubting if the sentiment will be returned by the other. Anyone who is a frequent traveler or wanderer who has felt blown off by friends on the rare occasion they’re in town for a visit will easily relate to this song.
“Never Should Apologize” features ukulele and a rich upright bass, which gives the song a wide range of timbres that feels full. The twangy steel slide guitar paired with the ukulele gives the song a cute and wholesome feeling. The lyrics have a feeling of a mother giving you a comforting lesson on handling emotions: “You should never ever apologize for what’s in your heart.” And of course, to be a mature adult, this same courtesy has to be extended to others in our lives: “And I know you should never ever apologize for feeling the way you do.”
The middle track, “Rock Bottom,” is the standout track on the album. Anyone who has gone through a trying time while bravely chasing their lofty dreams or made drastic life changes will relate to this song. With lyrics like “But like my daddy said, it’s the life you chose,” Harlem highlights the truthful cliches heard by dreamers so often. He also illustrates the reality of life at the beginning of the endeavors: “I spent my last $20 on a tank of gas…. At the show, they paid me in free beer. Now I’m all alone and standing here.” However, each chorus is the hopeful reassurance and optimistic mindset necessary to carry on. “But I’m gonna find a way out of this hole… The hard times don’t kill you, they just tear down your soul. Rock Bottom, c’mon let's go.” This song is a comforting anthem for any ambitious person.
The fourth song, titled “Battles,” is another song with great imagery. Lyrics like “The roadside shines like diamonds on 95; the New Jersey Turnpike is a sea of red taillights” allow the listener to visualize the scene. This song follows up “Rock Bottom” nicely, because some of the lyrics have the contradictory sentiments often felt when parting with longtime loved ones. There’s the “good for you; I’m so proud” feelings, but also the “I wish that were me” or “Why are you leaving? Are we not enough for you?” These contradictory feelings make it confusing and awkward when saying goodbyes. Harlem encapsulates how it feels to be on the receiving end of these emotions with lines like “Farewell darling. I’m glad you got out from this wasteland; from this dying town.” This line shows the endearing sentiment by using the word darling, but it also shows the jealousy of the person being left behind because they describe the town as a wasteland. Although the chorus feels happier, the lyrics “You better keep that fire burning inside of you,” also seem slightly rooted in jealousy because of the particular word choice. “Battles” is a relatable song for anyone who has had a rocky goodbye.
The closing song, “If Only I,” is a duet with a female who has a delicate and airy voice. Her voice paired with the country and Americana influences bring the song to a 2008 Perfectly Clear by Jewel vibe. The duet is perfect for the song, since it is about regretting a past love. “If only I could appreciate you as you passed me by. If only I could go back to where I laid my eyes on you, then I would keep myself from falling in love with you.”
Asbury Park is an album with fantastic lyricism and a great classic country spirit. Dean Harlem’s voice feels genuine, and it can easily capture the listener’s attention. His guitar playing is excellent, which supports the stories in his songs wonderfully. This album shows the strong musician and storyteller Dean Harlem is.