Caleb Hyles is not just a cover artist because his original debut album, In One Breath, kicked off the start of his solo artist career. Released earlier this year on January 14, In One Breath hosts a genre-diverse range of talent. This comes as no surprise, seeing how his YouTube channel is filled with multiple genre-bending covers in numerous styles. Although each track has its own individual style, everything blends together nicely for one cohesive album. As if each song was its own scene in a musical, Hyles knows how to keep the listeners glued to their seats and ready for Act Two. A creative and killer way to introduce a solo career.
When it comes to entering a pool some like to slowly adjust to the water while others jump right in. The first track, “Not My Own,” allows us to get used to the idea of an original album, bringing a style subscribers to Hyles’s cover channel are all too familiar with. A gentle welcome that only generates more excitement. Less of an opening track and more like the opening number of a musical, I could fully visualize the acting and choreography which would come from a captivating opening scene. Perhaps it is the theatrical vocals and modern show tune melody, or maybe it has to do with the storytelling within the lyrics, but “Not My Own” was everything my theatre kid heart craved.
Swiftly we are led into the second scene– I mean track– with “On My Own.” An upbeat melody adds to a positive vibe, adding a fun rock vibe with a theatrical twist. Once again I can visualize fun choreography and fantastic lighting. Creating a theatrical vibe is definitely a forte of Hyles, and he has full control of the stage. This control continues with “Goodbye Monday” and “Stay,” bringing a fun rock ballad to the soundtrack. From scene to scene a story is lyrically being told, and it could not sound any smoother.
Things slow down with “Privilege.” This track leans a bit stronger on the ballad aspect yet still hangs on to a soft rock vibe. Worldly instrumentals, a soothing piano melody, and impressive vocals remind me of the last number one would hear before intermission. Every central theme from the earlier tracks is rounded up into a unique blend, adding to the artistic listening experience. Hyles has the best vocal control with this song, holding on to notes with such delicacy. The subtle guttural screaming in the background of the bridge adds a depth I didn’t know I needed yet am so blessed to have heard. What a way to close out the first half of a show.
The first song coming back from intermission has to hold the same mood from the opening number. A song that slowly invites the audience back into the plot, strapping us down in our seats as we watch the rest of the show unfold. In this aspect, “Sometimes You Just Forget Things” is that perfect song back. A cinematic rock intro leading to Disney rock ballad vibes one would expect from adventurous plotlines such as Mulan or Hercules. In fact, I actually felt like I was listening to one of Hyles’ cinematic rock covers of Disney classics– personally a favorite of mine. Track eight, “Survival In Disguise” has a similar cinematic mood, re-defining orchestral pop-rock into a whole new genre. Set It Off may have coined the term “orchestral rock,” yet Caleb Hyles makes the genre pop.
Sandwiched in between the two orchestral pop-rock ballads is a classic pop-punk vibe reminiscent of State Champs and Fall Out Boy. “Wasting Time” has me missing Warped Tour, wishing I was bouncing up and down in the parking lot on a disgustingly hot summer day. As soon as I hear the nostalgic guitar riff of the mid to late 2000s my head starts banging. I am moving to the beat of the snare and smiling the whole way through. Adding to the excitement was a subtle cough, reminding me of All Time Low’s “Dear Maria.” Perhaps I’ll have a new anthem that pops up in my mind. G-d knows how much I needed a new anthem. While I was hoping for a little more Four Year Strong energy, I am extremely grateful for a breath of humid Warped Tour air.
“Leave a Light On For Me” and “I’ll Name Her Song” are 100% ballads, lulling me into a melodic dream. Every decent musical has a ballad to wish on a star to, In One Breath going above and beyond with two succulent songs. Two songs that could be the soundtrack to a stroll through cotton candy clouds in a lucid dream. A song to ride while taking a magic carpet for a joy ride. The melodies of both tracks are whimsical and the lyrics whisk you away into a Disney-themed dream.
One of my favorite musical theatre tropes is the “11 O'Clock show stopper.” A track so loud the whole theater shakes. A musical number so powerful it can be felt from the farthest seat from the stage. “Amber and Rain” is a bit slower than I typically would like for a “pick me up” track after two dream-like ballads, however, the show definitely stops once Jonathan Young rolls in, his voice perfectly contrasting with Caleb’s. The two artists work well together, which is why they frequently collaborate on covers. Knowing how many times the two powerhouses have collaborated in the past, I had major expectations for this feature, and “Amber and Rain” surely does not disappoint. The energy picks up after the bridge, making this a solid choice to have as the second to last song.
Wrapping up both the performance and story is another melodic piano ballad, bringing a calm end to the album itself. Title track, “In One Breath” perfectly sums up the highlights of each track. A needed closure to the most theatrical debut. Imagine Ryan Ross hitting Broadway instead of Brendon Urie. That is the energy you’ll receive listening to this final track. The swift change of pace at the bridge was ultimately refreshing to hear while the lyrics reinforced that “In One Breath” is the end of this chapter while the story is just beginning.
For fans of Disney, musical theatre, and Fall Out Boy; consider checking out In One Breath on your favorite streaming platform. The inner drama-kid in me has been awakened and I absolutely can not wait to see what is next for Caleb Hyles with his original music.
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