Throughout the early 2000s (and all the way through 2012), Evan Ryan Canady spent his time tearing up stages with his metalcore act, Shrapnel. After setting aside music for other life decisions (a job, a house, a wife), Canady started getting the itch again, setting out to learn the piano, which ultimately led to a new round of songwriting. The result is his debut solo album, A Day In The Life, which ended up being a complete musical departure from the Shrapnel days. Electric guitars and alt rock are not completely absent from the album, but it's clear that Canady has decidedly moved into a softer direction. There are exceptions, like the chugging guitars of "Stand Before The King" or the rock opera-esque sound of "Score In D Minor." There are also a couple of slower interludes to break things up. But otherwise, the album is largely piano pop rock-based, sort of akin to Seabird or The Fray ("A Day In The Life" and "Falling Into The Fire" are great examples). The music is well-written and performed, however, it also leads to more emphasis on Canady's vocals, which can be a little dry and flat. That's not to say he's a bad singer, but one can't help but wonder if his vocals may be better equipped for a louder, heavier sound. That being said, the music does also accentuate the lyrics quite nicely. Canady has a way of balancing the musical and vocal melodies, making them easier to memorize while also filling them with substance. In "Secrets," he talks with God about wanting to know Him more, describing "a sensible wonder inching down my spine / an immense fascination from an inquiring mind." "Stand Before The King" calls on the Church to be ready for spiritual battle while declaring God's victory, while "Together We Pray" and "Revelation" cry out for His mercy in the face of our sin ("Lord, won't You help us find our way and hold on to our faith / we know that we are saved forever through Your love and grace"). Ultimately, A Day In The Life is a solid pop rock outing. A more dynamic vocal performance would have made the album more enjoyable overall, but regardless, Canady has crafted an album worth being proud of.

- Review date: 2/3/25, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com