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Matt Epp's Safe or Free is filled with great vocals and instrumentation, but the lyrics themselves aren't too desirable, leaving the album with an overall mediocrity that fails to jump out. If you pay attention to and desire strong lyrics and poeticism, this is not the album for you. There's nothing groundbreaking or unique about what Epp sings about. Although a general listen is alright, the instrument choices do not pair well with the lyrics.

The shining moment of the cd is "Cover Me," a combination of everything Epp does well on parts of other songs, showing how enjoyable his career could become for potential fans. It's a versatile song, with strong male back-up vocals nicely contrasting with the female backing of the rest of the album.

Safe or Free is a mellow album and a fairly good choice if lyrics don't deter from the overall quality. However, lyrics that center around a chorus of "I don't like your friends at all/ there's no telling what I'd do if they hurt you/ it's the end of the line/ they won't find the bodies" repeated several times do not make for a strong song.

The general feeling is that Epp has not come into himself as an artist yet, nor made any distinguishing moves to set himself apart from everyone else. Potential only goes so far.

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Posted: 2009-12-02 14:32:45
#1 - My opinion, after first read of this review, is that Megan Hodgeson hasn't come into herself as a writer. I own this record and have listened to it lyrically for the last few months, and I'd have to say that you are very far off with your claims or poor penmanship. Funny that the one song you chose to quote is lyrically the lightest, and you seem to have forgotten to quote the songs with much lyrical intellegence and depth. You can't judge an entire record on the one song you don't like
. Have you listened to "Too cool"? How about "Travel by ground'? Then there is the lyrical poetry of "crying in mexico", "This old house" and "I am the wind"
I've been following Matt Epp's career for quite some time and feel that he has grown lyrically.
Take a look at your own writing before you lay your un-educated opinions on others, and maybe take some writing courses before you think you can sway our minds with poorly written cd reviews.

–Patricia Smith, musician

Posted: 2009-12-02 15:08:28
#2 - This review is ridiculous for so many reasons.

Understanding that opinions on virtually anything (especially art) will be predominantly subjective, devoting such a large portion of a review on an interpretive issue (lyrics) is not informing whatsoever.

I find it hard to believe that Eliza Gilkyson, Jesse Denatale and others involved in the making of this record would spend time working with an artist fitting the description offered up here.

This album will be discussed amid great flattery for some time to come.

–PooPoo Davis, Musician

Posted: 2009-12-07 01:49:05
#3 - This review is hilarious.

Contrary to what the writer may think, Epp's "Safe or Free" is a masterfully-written record with inspired off-the-floor performances, thoughtful themes and a strong musical vision. It's too bad Hodgson missed these things and opted instead to offer her own songwriting advice instead of delving deeper into the richness this record offers. Clearly she has a very particular musical preference, which does not lend itself well to giving comprehensive record reviews.

So, to the discerning reader: please ignore this review, listen to the album yourself, and then judge both accordingly.

–Brock T., musician

Posted: 2010-02-22 23:58:55
#4 - This is a awful review, if you listen to the lyrics and think about them they are amazing. This album, and Matt Epp's ability are far beyond that which is outlined in this review.

–Anonymous Coward

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