About.com Rating
Perhaps "Cooler Than Me" is a little too good. Mike Posner's introduction to widespread pop audiences, a small masterpiece, has been a bright spot on pop radio for months. Unfortunately, it created expectations that would be difficult to reach for any new artist on their first album. 31 Minutes To Takeoff is a rough start with some clear low moments for Mike Posner, but it does contain a few songs of shining brilliance that match that breakthrough single.
Trying Too Hard To Impress
Much of 31 Minutes To Takeoff sounds like a sometimes tedious effort to impress pop audiences. Second single "Please Don't Go" is cluttered with unnecessary glistening electronic flourishes that obscure the melody. "Bow Chicka Wow Wow," with its cheesy rock ballad guitar and bubble sounds, comes off as an attempt to take on 70s pop-rock that failed and is instead losing air bubbles as the song sinks to the bottom of the sea. "Do You Wanna?" uncomfortably twists Mike Posner's voice into a retro soul arrangement. A little editing of what sound like dorm room efforts to impress friends would have strengthened multiple songs.
Mike Posner Hits His Stride With Soulful Ballads
With the soulful ballads that populate 31 Minutes To Takeoff as it moves toward closing, Mike Posner really hits his stride. While the earlier "Deja Vu" featuring vocal support from Boyz II Men feels a little bit awkward, there is a wit and directness in "Cheated" and "Gone in September" that makes Mike Posner stand out.
He even calls a former lover out by name in "Cheated." "Delta 1406" reflects in clever fashion on being blissed out about newly arrived fame. 31 Minutes To Takeoff concludes with the incomparably gorgeous ballad "Falling."
Top Tracks on '31 Minutes To Takeoff'
- "Cooler Than Me"
- "Gone in September"
- "Delta 1406"
- "Falling"
A Clear Talent On the Rise
The success of the single "Cooler Than Me" and the sheer beauty of the closing ballads on 31 Minutes To Takeoff make it obvious that Mike Posner is a rising talent in pop music. However, confidence is needed in his basic skills with a song instead of burying the positives in gimmicky effects. With artistic maturity outstanding music is likely on its way. Keep a close eye on Mike Posner in years to come.
Released August 2010 by J Records