Luke Wade opens Only Ghosts with “Passenger Side”, a contagiously poppy introduction. Surely this is strategic to get the crowd warmed up. And heat is exactly what we feel throughout the album. If we aren’t bouncing around to energetic beats, we’re feeling frisky with Wade’s melodious tone pressed against playful yet heartfelt love lyrics. There’s even a song called “On Fire”. It couldn’t possibly be any clearer than that.

We get a taste of Wade’s vocal range throughout the album, falling for his sweet, soulfulness on “I’m The Man For You”, and awing at the huge scale of notes he manages to hit on “Three Days”, one of three singles on this record that were released before the new year.

Vocals aren’t the only things Wade plays with on his latest release. It feels like we move through different genres, even decades, in less than 40 minutes. A true love ballad, “Someone Like You” captures us with its simplicity and intensity. But just a few minutes later we’re transported to another era with “Dreams” – a very sweet, soulful song, reminiscent of 50s Doo Wop. Even in a single song, “Morning View” – which on the whole sounds like Indie Pop – Wade’s subtle twang bridges the gap to Country Pop, if only for a few chords.

Lyrically, the album is diverse, albeit within the vein of love. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that the placement of songs tells a story. “Passenger Side” describes love as an open road, ready and waiting for a new couple to conquer it. While in “Kissing Makeup” Wade makes a plea to see the real woman between the sheets. And no relationship is complete without its pitfalls. Wade abandons the hyper-amorous lyrics for a bleeding heart in “While I was Away”.

It’s safe to say this rising talent will have more to offer us as his career evolves. But that’s not to say Luke Wade isn’t hot right now.

Catch him on his remaining tour dates to see him perform live:

Upcoming Shows

** = w/ Matt McAndrew

Jan 18 – Vienna, VA @ Jammin’ Java 

Jan 19 – Philadelphia, PA  @ World Cafe Live**

Jan 20 – New York, NY @ Joe’s Pub at The Public**

Jan 21 – North Haven, CT @ Fairfield Theatre**

Jan 24 – Atlanta, GA @ Eddie’s Attic**

Jan 25 – Charlotte, NC @ Neighborhood Theatre**

Jan 26 – Nashville, TN @ Exit/In**

Jan 31 – Chicago, IL @ City Winery**

Feb 1 – St Louis, MO  @ Blueberry Hill** 

Feb 2 – Oklahoma City, OK @ VZD**

Feb 3 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues** 

Feb 4 – Wichita Falls, TX @ Iron Horse Pub** 

Feb 9  – Austin, TX @ Stubb’s BBQ**

Feb 10 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues**

Connect with Luke Wade on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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