- Bryon Harris
Ty Stephens - 'Power to Change'
Review by Abby Kenna & Staff
“Power to Change” by Ty Stephens is a modern hit infused with classic R&B brilliance. One of the most alluring aspects of “Power to Change” is the danceable track, filled to the brim with complimentary, compelling musical parts. MC Shall’s arrangement builds and develops into a captivatingly groovy stack of instrumental layers. Wavy synth chords resonate at the heart of the track, the progression urging forward in a compelling rhythmic pattern. Bright, soloing keys flicker over the top of these chords, illuminating the mix with their short trills and bursts of melodies. Filling the low end, a rich walking bass line plods along the foundation of the arrangement, outlining the progression with colorful depth. Offering sharp contrast, a muted, picked guitar sits just to the left of this musical fusion, adding another subtle hint of rhythm. The light, but solid drum groove perfects this funk-filled track, establishing a solid backbeat for the song.
Ty Stephens brings perspective to the lively flow fueling “Power to Change”. Smooth and vibrant, yet tinged with an edge of grit, he sings with intent, pouring meaning into every word he has written. His voice is saturated with emotion as he invites the listeners to look within themselves and question their grasp on their own individual power:
“What if your smile was the currency to purchase the dream?”
Stephens’ thought-provoking style of lyric writing naturally elicits thought from listeners, encouraging them to internalize his message and relate it to their own lives. The moving, motivating dynamic of his lyricism is not only wildly rare in the world of modern pop, but it is electrifying to listen to. Rather than enjoying a birds’ eye view on Stephens’ thoughts and experiences, listeners are welcome to participate in the song’s journey through their own eyes.
The chorus continues to gleam with poignant lyricism as it bursts open with a wave of harmonies enveloping Stephens’ voice, the each stack of lavish notes resonating with sultry emotion. This stirring arrangement style feels reminiscent of Stevie Wonder, with touches of his lush composition shining through in these euphonic harmonies. Vivid and invigorating, these vocal layers highlight the profound message of the chorus:
“Join hearts, let love's healing start
Join hands, let love heal the land
'cause, I got it, you got it, the power to change the world…"
Ty Stephens and arranger MC Shall have created a rousing R&B and pop fusion with ‘Power to Change”, filling the song with captivating instrumental layers and thought-provoking lyrics.
About Ty Stephens
Philly native, TyStephens, is an award-winning singer/songwriter and international entertainer. Along with his band, (the) SoulJaazz, he has covered the globe in U.S. State Department tours in Russia and South Korea; concerts in Japan, Brazil, Haiti, Zimbabwe, Morocco, and 6 summer residencies at Monte Carlo's Sporting Club, opening for Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Celine Dion, Steely Dan, Eric Clapton, Erykah Badu, Janet Jackson, and more! They have recorded 5 albums of original music together, most recently "Good Medicine" *(containing the fan fave "Found") and the brand new "Spirit Rising" *(containing the funky "Power To Change").
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Philly native, TyStephens, is an award-winning singer/songwriter and international entertainer. Along with his band, (the) SoulJaazz, he has covered the globe in U.S. State Department tours in Russia and South Korea; concerts in Japan, Brazil, Haiti, Zimbabwe, Morocco, and 6 summer residencies at Monte Carlo's Sporting Club, opening for Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, Celine Dion, Steely Dan, Eric Clapton, Erykah Badu, Janet Jackson, and more! They have recorded 5 albums of original music together, most recently "Good Medicine" *(containing the fan fave "Found") and the brand new "Spirit Rising" *(containing the funky "Power To Change").
For more information on Ty Stephens, please visit his website.