Review of new Omar Alhindi album ‘Bedhead Part 1’

Omar Alhindi released his album Bedhead Part 1 on Oct. 28. The singer/songwriter has a strong voice, but the arrangements here feel formulaic.

Omar Alhindi released his album Bedhead Part 1 on Oct. 28. The California-born artist began creating music at a young age. His first record deal came along when Alhindi was only 15 years old. Over time, he shifted slightly from his straight pop roots – incorporating R&B and synth beats into this sound. The singer/songwriter has a strong voice and some interesting ideas. However, much of Bedhead Part 1 comes across as formulaic.

“My Intentions” starts off Bedhead Part 1 in a relatively strong manner. Alhindi demonstrates that he has a skilled voice. However, this track feels formulaic – recalling ‘90s boy band sounds. “My Intentions” lacks a new spin that would catch audiences by surprise or draw them in.

The second track on this record is “Dear June.” With a softer touch here, Alhindi delivers a heartfelt step-touch-snap inducing song. “Dear June” has the artist singing from an emotional place, which creates some degree of interest. Unfortunately, this track maintains a throwback feel without adding new perspective.

“Don’t Take My Love Away” is the first track on Bedhead Part 1 that differentiates this artist from the sea of R&B inspired Pop acts. The layering and rhythm on this song holds onto the artist’s inclinations, while bringing his sound into the present.

Next, the upbeat “Dance All Night” enters. This is a light and squarely pop track. The beat is accessible enough for dancing and evokes images of parties by a pool in summertime. It would be interesting to hear other remixes of this track – Alhindi has not quite shaken the formula, but this track has good bones.

The Benefits of keeping it simple

As Bedhead Part 1 progresses, tracks such as “Mine Tonight” and “Lust” are relatively pared-down. The focus on Alhindi’s voice is effective here, but the lyrics fall a bit flat on both tracks. “Stay Strong” closes out this album, in the most simple and direct arrangement presented.  This track is well executed and is possibly the most effective song on this record.

The trouble with throwback music is that it has already been done – and done exceedingly well. Artists are therefore placed in the unfortunate position of having to do it either best or differently, in order to compete with nostalgia-fuel memories in audience minds. Omar Alhindi appears to sing from the heart and has the voice to back it up. However, his compositions on Bedhead Part 1 lack a best of the best attention-grabbing feel, or the unique spin to launch him onto the charts. Listeners will look forward to seeing what Alhindi comes up with as he further matures as an artist.