TYLER BALLGAME - For The First Time, Again

There are records that tell a story, a lived experience that at times ends up being even more compelling than the record itself. It's no surprise, then, that the conflicting critical reactions anticipating the release of Tyler Ballgame's debut lean heavily in this direction, stirring curiosity and appreciation more for the backstory than for the actual musical result — but not everything is as it seems.

Tyler Perry's story is that of a young man endowed with an extraordinary vocal talent who, despite finding support among friends and acquaintances, hadn't quite made it — or at least hadn't made it until the pandemic pushed him into depression and toward a drastic decision: moving from Rhode Island to Los Angeles for a job.

Luckily, Tyler seized the opportunity to play in bars, flea markets and other unlikely venues, first winning over audiences and later catching the attention of concert promoters. But the first real step toward fame came with meeting Jonathan Rado (Foxygen, The Lemon Twigs), who convinced him to take on the not-so-simple genesis of "For The First Time, Again", a debut that serves as a real test of the American singer-songwriter's abilities.

Tyler Ballgame has drawn attention above all for his vocal ability, often compared to that of Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley (just listen to "Goodbye My Love" and "Sing How I Feel"), an affinity that the analog recording and Jonathan Rado's production push to the point of slightly blurring the lines.

The young American singer-songwriter's debut is perpetually balanced between genius and recklessness. For some, it lacks that cursed aura so beloved by critics who champion indie-rock, with the songwriting leaning closer to Harry Nilsson, Paul McCartney or Randy Newman; at the same time, it disappoints those hoping for more of a cult artist trajectory (think Jeff Buckley or Mac DeMarco).

What remains is hard to sum up in a few words: the songwriting is a web of references that sometimes puzzles (the celtic pop-soul of "Matter Of Taste"), but often enchants and seduces with a mix of surrealism and disenchantment that many contemporary songwriters lack (the gorgeous "Got A New Car").

The truth is that Tyler Ballgame is undeniably talented. There's no denying that the eccentric, naive "Ooh" and the playful funk of "I Believe In Love" carry all the grace and inspiration of '60s pop, and it's clear the American musician wants to measure himself against his idols: so bring on the Beatles ("You're Not My Baby Tonight"), Roy Orbison with all his vocal excess (the title track) and Elton John ("I Know"). But it would be a mistake to reduce the artist's personality to a mere set of influences and past echoes. Evocative, wistfully poetic songs like "Deepest Blue" (which betrays faint glam undertones) and the vibrant "Waiting So Long" (where the echoes of Randy Newman and Harry Nilsson are most evident) are two potential hit songs just waiting to feature in a film or TV series to truly take off.

With a bit more cunning and crowd-pleasing polish, "For The First Time, Again" could have aimed for revelation-of-the-year status, but for Tyler Ballgame this is only the first piece of a puzzle that's still incomplete and not necessarily flawless, made all the more intriguing by the many events that preceded the musician's debut — fodder for a potential feature story: the reactions to his first London show, his struggles with drugs and depression, his spiritual redemption and strict diet — factors that have fueled anticipation for a record that thrives on contradictions and contrasts, and it's precisely for this reason that it wins you over.

Tyler Perry has said on several occasions that he regards the name Ballgame as an almost theatrical device, so it's natural that at certain points you sense a feeling of pure staging, including the background noise that adds a further vintage touch; the recreation of the '60s and '70s is undoubtedly the result of awareness and a deep understanding of the pioneering spirit of those artists who revolutionized the very concept of pop music. Perhaps the American musician's full consecration is still to come with future releases, but in the meantime "For The First Time, Again" is the cult album nobody saw coming, a record made not to be loved unconditionally but to put the listener in front of a choice. For me, it's a yes.

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08/02/2026