Lyrics with substance: Parker Paul says it all

Wingfoot is one of those rare albums that you don't know what to think of at first. It takes some figuring out. Lyrically intriguing, swinging from deeply symbolic to simple and almost taoist, this album will keep people listening. The album is not complex, yet it's unique in an indescribable way. \nWingfoot opens with a very lounge-like "1,2,3" and establishes a laid-back and inviting mood. Parker Paul relies on his piano to construct songs, which is a welcome relief from today's typical singer-songwriter with a guitar over the shoulder. While the piano melodies bounce along happily, the lyrics paired with them often provide an ironic contrast to the music.\n"Pain Pain Pain Pain Pain" exemplifies this dynamic, with jovial piano and vocal melodies accompanied by lyrics about the pain of pain. Paul states that "Pain is annoying, pain is boring." From the music, any listener might think this is one of the happiest tracks. After listening to the lyrics, it is evident that this song is like a musical version of a dark comedy. \nPaul offers one more insight in "Pain Pain Pain Pain Pain" about different religions. Anyone who attended Catholic school can sympathize when Paul says, "Catholics propose: Pain is the path we all should have chose/ But the Unitarians are much more interested in fun." \nWhile the album generally is upbeat musically, Paul shows his versatility and explores different moods in "Jesus Gave Him Rest" and "Dinner Rush." The former is a moody song about a man who is rejected by everybody, even the jails. The music echoes the story of the main character.\n"Dinner Rush" represents a more sympathetic and reflective Paul. It brings a sense of nostalgia, as he talks about returning home to see if things have changed. He lets us further into his psyche as he talks about being a "hyper-religious, hypo-maniac. Diagnose and/ label my tics. Just please don't call me sick." \nIn this manner, Paul takes listeners to highs and lows and around corners they never expected. His voice is unique and memorable.\nRating: 8