Artist Info:Discography Album length: 12 tracks Street Date: June 21, 2005
Following the edgier outing Professional Rapper, John Reuben
returns with his latest project, serving up the double-sided coin The Boy Vs. The Cynic.
When writing his newest album, John crafted two separate projects altogether. A darker, more cynical side was
revealed on Professional Rapper that had barely been touched on in the past.
Reuben had hoped to explore this side further on a side project while keeping the "John Reuben"
material more upbeat and light. However, when the two projects were submitted to Gotee, the label
preferred the side project's material as well as the more radio-friendly tracks on the Reuben record.
The end result? A compromise.
Aptly titled, The Boy Vs. The Cynic mixes a more upbeat and sunny pop format with the aggressive approach
that Reuben's previous project Rapper took. The record shuffles the lighter and darker material throughout
its duration, enduring some pretty heavy mood swings along the way. John transitions between songs like
"Follow Your Leader," a petition for thinking for yourself and the eerie "Sales Pitch," to the catchy and
boistrous "Sunshine" and party song "So Glad." It's a rollercoaster of emotions, but it keeps the record diverse and
fresh. When the album ventures into the more serious waters, Reuben is quick to offer relief a song or two later.
There's a little something for everyone on The Boy Vs. The Cynic. For those who thought Hindsight
was a little too spastic or unbridled and that Professional Rapper was too serious, the mix here is good.
The hip-pop "Nuisance" features harmonies provided by Relient K's Matt Thiessen
and just screams for radio airplay, while "There's Only Forgiveness" is a brutally frank and creative industrial rap
highlight. The guest contributions don't stop with Thiessen, however. Most of the album's harmonies are provided
in fact by House of Heroes frontman Tim Skipper, which is especially notable on the title track.
The Boy Vs. The Cynic may not be as unified as Reuben's previous release, but it pushes the boundaries
creatively. The genre-bending project is a deeper album thematically, boldly venturing lyrically where few artists
dare to go. Reuben's honesty and tell-it-as-he-sees-it style of songwriting is refreshing. Fans who've enjoyed
his previous efforts, as well as those looking for something a little different in the hip-hop world, will undoubtedly
find a lot to like about The Boy Vs. The Cynic.
- Review date: 6/19/05, written by John DiBiase
Artist Info: 
