Stephen Cogswell - ​Floating

Stephen Cogswell

​Floating
self-released; 2015

3.7 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Even the more melancholy songs on Floating by Stephen Cogswell maybe for lack of a better way feel free. I got the  impression that Cogswell is mindful person who embraces life and radiates good vibes. Having never met the man I wouldn’t know that but  his lyrics, music and delivery certainly gives you sense he is someone who would be easy to hang out with.

Floating is a diverse album with great production and well written songs. Cogswell dabbles in everything from rock to reggae to r&b and a few more. I felt like he did a good job melding different genres with each other rather than jumping to a different style from song to song.

Cogswell kicks things off with Floating with “Whale Song” which is a fun, upbeat and fast song that I could easily see large groups of people dancing to. The song revolves around a walking bassline, killer piano, drums, guitar and a great vocal performance. He sings “I immerse myself in the essence of thee/I permeate the universe, until i find thee, and I always find thee. yes i always find thee”.

“Sweet and Wonderful” bursts with horns, energy and a distinct reggae vibe. It gives off an incredibly joyful energy that I think most people would enjoy and find borderline intoxicating. “Teeter” starts off sparse and intimate but as I said even these type of songs tend to make your soul feel good. Once the drums and female vocals enter into the picture the song feels calm and tranquil.

The first lyric on “Thoughts Unsaid” explains the entire feel of the song. He sings “This is so soft, so sweet for you”. This song has a jazzy almost new vibe that was quite enjoyable. Close your eyes during “How Beautiful” and you might imagine you are basking in the sun in Hawaii.

The vibe on Floating isn’t only positive but spiritual. Cogswell repeats ideas like mantras about feeling at one with universe, the love in between and where true joy resides. The battle between the light and dark is a battle that everyone endures. It seems as if Cogswell is winning that battle through his music and in some ways Floating feels like an invitation for you to join him.

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