After three long years, singer-songwriter and pop recording artist Chris Peters released his conceptual and heavily relatable 13-track debut album, To Be Known.
After graduating from Berklee College of Music, Chris Peters experienced a transformative journey working on a cruise ship and visiting various countries. That eye-opening experience led to the making of his debut album, To Be Known. Influenced by the light pop style of acts from Paul Simon to Harry Styles, Chris Peters is the new 'boy next door' we can't get enough of, and his debut album illustrates why.
The record starts with its first single, released in March of this year, "Drunk On A Memory." This indie-pop banger was written with Tom Siletto and Ethan Surman at Berklee, and it's the perfect intro track to this diverse, ear-pleasing album. With a catchy, relatable hook of feeling caught up in memories but knowing an ex is better left in the past, this intro track blasts through the speakers with pristine vibes and everything we love about feel-good alternative tunes.
Moving onto track number two, "Getting To Know Ya," our souls are instantly lifted into a groovy and toe-tapping mix of alternative and funk, pouring through the speakers with impeccable vibes. The soulful horn line paired with Chris Peters' velvety vocals is a treat for the ears, and anyone can get down with such a soulful, passionate atmosphere that wraps around the listener like a warm blanket.
In the album's third track, "Europe," we're met with the tender and melodic vocal stylings of Tyler Simmons alongside lush alternative pop instrumentals. With a few European cliches here and there, Chris Peters joins the party while expressing his hope that a lover won't forget him now that she's living her best life overseas. It feels like the perfect track for a feel-good coming-of-age film, oozing through our speakers with energy and passion.
Before we know it, an all-too-familiar sound meets the ears with track number four, "Unwritten," blessing the listener with a soulful and groovy rendition of Natasha Bedingfield's classic 2004 hit. Peters felt this was the perfect addition to the record, considering it's a go-to track to perform at gigs. So go ahead, sing along, and belt out the chorus with all you have. The substitution of guitar for soulful keys and a groovy beat makes it irresistible.
Upping the emotion is track number five, "What If We Waited," softly opening with gentle acoustic guitar and Chris Peters' smooth vocals. This song tracks the end of a relationship and poor timing, while Peters reflects on what could have been. It tugs on all the heartstrings with relatable lyrics and beautiful horns, while the catchy oohs and aahs leave us singing along. This is one of our favorites on the album thus far, perfectly depicting the post-breakup "what ifs."
Here's another Buzz favorite, but for a different reason. The sixth track, "Blue's Clues," surrounds growing up knowing nothing yet navigating life with our best effort. He asks, what happened to his little friend Blue, who would always come through in Saturday morning cartoons? With a soul-soothing and downtempo alternative-pop atmosphere, this reality-check of a song is a perfect anthem for anyone navigating adulthood and its lack of warning signs.
Landing on the album's seventh track and halfway point with "Who Knew," we're greeted with tender picking on a nylon string classical guitar that Peters bought in Spain, alongside his spacious, layered vocals. It's a gentle interlude written one late night on the cruise ship, paired with background noises of Peter's time in the Amazon Rainforest. His soft vocals express an intimate moment with someone special, perfectly encompassing his life-changing experience aboard the ship.
Moving into the album's second half with the eighth track, "Ode To James," Chris Peters instantly takes us on a tropical getaway with bright vocal arrangements and cheerful instrumentals. While the vibes are high, Peters interestingly wrote his lyrics inspired by Paul McCartney's coping with his wife's passing and the theme of Andrew Peterson's "Alaska Or Burst." It's a unique piece that showcases Peters' songwriting prowess and ability to touch on subjects outside his personal life.
The album's ninth track, "Loving and Living, " is upping the groove," soaking the speakers with toe-tapping bass licks and soulful percussion. Influenced by John Mayer's "Moving On and Getting Over," this catchy tune highlights the struggles of living with the one you love, a struggle that many don't have the power to face. It's a well-rounded song from top to bottom, and although Peters highlights the struggles, he passionately acknowledges that working through their issues is the right call.
Keeping the good vibes rolling is track number ten, "Juliet," kicking off with a melodic and upbeat alternative instrumental packed with fun melodies and crisp background vocals alongside Chris Peters' honest lyrics. While discussing his slight jealousy for his peers' success at Berklee, Peters tells the viral tale of Juliet and her popular internet videos, always leaving viewers singing along. The slightly eerie ending offers a darker look at the song, cleverly made by turning the pitch wheel on a cassette player.
Reaching the album's title track, "To Be Known," this track holds a deep meaning with Chris Peters. Inspired by a conversation that discussed the first moments where one felt 'loved,' Peters wrote this song and named the album after it in hopes that everyone would feel loved and understood after listening. Influenced by the sounds of Paul Simon, this upbeat and passionate title track acknowledges that to be loved is to be known, and Peters hopes that every listener can feel both.
Sinking into a more emotional tone is track number twelve, "Too Far Too Fast Too Soon," meeting the speakers with soothing electric guitar melodies and Chris Peters' tender vocals. Written alongside Aida Frantzen and a friend, Daniel, this brutally honest song speaks of Peters' tendency to jump into relationships too fast, only to get burned. The garage indie rock sound perfectly rounds out the emotion and honesty from Chris Peters' relatable words.
Reaching the album's thirteenth and final track, "Storybook," we're met with a soothing lullaby melody that gradually leads into a gentle piano melody and Chris Peters' soft vocals. While discussing his frustration with not being on the same page with a partner, the song expands with Adam Dorfman's cinematic strings that make it complete. It's the perfect way to end such an eclectic and relatable album like this, and Chris Peters' powerful lyrics are the cherry on top.
If you're looking for your next captivating musical experience, feast your ears on an album that won't let you down. Find Chris Peters' debut 13-track album, To Be Known, on all digital streaming platforms.