Creed Bratton's tenth solo album, Tao Pop, is an absolute joy from front to back. It's wonderfully rewarding to listen to again and again. The production is fantastic, the songs are killer, the variety is welcoming. The man's having a ball.
The man, the myth, and the legend... Creed Bratton. You love him for his portrayal as his own fictionalized self on the hit television show The Office. You love him for his guitar work as a member of The Grass Roots back in the 60's. You love him for his talents as a singer, songwriter, and performer. And you hate him for... absolutely nothing. I can't think of as single thing. I mean, look at the guy. He's an absolute legend. I was introduced to Bratton, like many, from The Office but I was introduced to his musical side through his last solo album Slightly Altered back in 2020. It's pretty fantastic to say the very least. It has lots of great tunes and plenty of variety: blues rock, folk, country, psych rock, lounge jazz... and a song about a toad from Chinese folklore that has a coin in its mouth and gives you good luck and prosperity. That song is "Chan Chu Toad" and it's an absolute banger. It's one of my favorite songs and I love it so much that I even have my own golden little Chan Chu Toad in my humble abode because of the song's existence.
His new tenth solo album, titled Tao Pop, is also fantastic. Like his previous album, it features a wide range of genres: psych rock, bossa nova jazz, folk, acoustic pop, traditional country western music. Similar to what you see in his acting or his interviews, there's plenty of personality and charm in his music. There's also songwriting that can be quite endearing and humorous at times too. There are a couple singles that were released a few years back, such as the album opener "Tall Grass" and "Breathe Easy" and they both sound great on this album. "Tall Grass" is pure bliss with its colorful peppy instrumentation, psychedelic sitar flowing in and out, and when the track slows down it's so beautiful. "Breathe Easy" is as smooth as silk and I enjoy the guitars swirling in the instrumental. "Corner of the Universe" is a timeless pop single that's reminiscent of the golden sunshine pop era of the 60's and 70's. The pretty, slow and steady "Chip In My Brain" cheekily asks whether one should numb their mind from Earth's impending demise by putting a chip into one's brain. "Just Let Go" is a peppy, swinging tune that's reminiscent of the charming, traditional folksy, western pop that reminds me of the soundtrack to Toy Story. I love its strings and grin-inducing instrumental.
"Having a Ball" is my favorite on the entire album. Backed by its glorious bossa nova jazz instrumental, the song is an absolute joy to listen to every time. I instantly want to hit replay once it ends. The back half of Tao Pop isn't as instant but it's still rewarding. "Tug of War" is a slow burner that has these intense guitars and keys that bring a sense of drama and its lyrics evoke a back and forth within a tumultuous relationship. "Toy Boat" is a cheeky, silly country western tune that sounds like an old timey commercial for a cute, little tiny boat. It's a little novel and repetitive but it's still fun nonetheless. "Broken World" has some shimmering guitars and psychedelic vocals that remind me of something Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips would write back in the Soft Bulletin days. "I'll Always Be Dreaming of You" closes the album fittingly with it being a cute, endearing acoustic lullaby that's earnest with its sweetly sung breakup blues.
At the marvelous age of 81, Creed Bratton doesn't look or sound nearly as old as he actually is, but is rather more youthful and energetic. His late music career is his best so far with Tao Pop happily included within his other crowning achievements. Creed Bratton proves that age is simply just a number, really. You can be older in age and still release fun, bright, joyful music that resonates with many, even more so than most things you hear on the charts these days. Tao Pop is an absolute joy from front to back. It's wonderfully rewarding to listen to again and again. The production is fantastic, the songs are killer, the variety is welcoming. Creed Bratton is having a ball. I mean, just listen to him.
My Rating: 8 / 10
Favorite Songs: "Having a Ball," "Tall Grass," "Corner of the Universe," "Just Let Go," "Chip In My Brain," "Breathe Easy," "I'll Always Be Dreaming of You"
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