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Harry Hochman is a de facto veteran songwriter. He may not have spent the last decade or more releasing collections of his music for listener perusal, but there’s not a shred of doubt in mind that Hochman has written scads of songs, performed, and played for many appreciative audiences. His single “Inside Out” from his debut isn’t the work of a novice. Even with the presence of respected multi-instrumentalist and producer Chris Murphy shepherding this song, the title cut from his new album, into life, Hochman’s talents and natural musical affinities burn bright.
Murphy’s mandolin playing doesn’t limit its appeal. The Americana-tinged allure of “Inside Out” will satisfy purist and casual music listeners alike and Murphy’s mandolin supplies an additional twist that helps the song cover so many bases. It has a transformative effect on the song. It gives Hochman’s voice a key instrumental foil to play off and expands on the song’s melodic potential and likewise surrounds a defining element of the track with an irresistibly inviting aura.
The sheer likability of this song smooths over any of Hochman’s lyrical discord. It’s a songwriting fundamental – you must supply a bit of the sweet to help wash the sour down. Hochman’s songwriting message has a distinctly individualized touch as the lyrical point of view plops himself down in the same everyday messes each of us endure. One of the crucial strong suits of “Inside Out” is how it connects with a wide swath of listeners in a handful of ways.
He keeps things brief enough that those same listeners don’t want to wander. “Inside Out” runs past the four-minute mark, but there’s no audible self-indulgence present in the track and Hochman’s vocal authority, as well as the lyrics, justify its duration. It affords Hochman’s accompaniment, including Murphy, a chance to show the five-star skill they bring to bear on the performance without any gaudy displays of pseudo-virtuosity.
Melding the personal with the social in his lyrics pays off with a more diverse track. The song gives him an opportunity, as well, to put the deceptive elasticity of his voice to good use as there are subtle ways that he attacks assorted lines throughout the song that bring an underrated dimension. The weathered tone he adopts for many of the song’s lines has an unique laconic character.
“Inside Out” is an excellent choice for a single release for multiple reasons. One of the largest, however, is because it likely embodies so many of the album’s strengths into a single track. We’re treated to understated poetic flair and intelligence with the song’s lyrics as well as Hochman’s penchant for using Americana-flavored pop song vehicles as the engines for his message. His voice is the capper for it all, a wise and empathetic presence that nonetheless commands the listener’s attention.
Let’s be thankful that Harry Hochman turned his full attention to music at long last. It’s been well worth the wait. The single “Inside Out” gives anyone who enjoys welcoming and thoughtful songcraft will relish this release.
Jennifer Munoz
