Elena Rogers Turns Pop On Its Head with opus one

What happens when imagination meets songwriting chops well beyond their years? Elena Rogers provides an exhilarating answer to this question with her debut album, opus one. Rogers combines smarts, attitude and imaginative songwriting to create something truly unique, tuneful and, well, fun.

For pure originality, Rogers’ songs may remind you of John Flansburgh and John Linnell of They Might Be Giants. Other times, her songs are compositionally unorthodox a’ la Frank Zappa. On occasion, she can even be a bit soulful. You’ll hear her vocal dangle and sway its way effortlessly through engaging melodies and highly entertaining lyrics.

We get a little bit of soul right off the bat with the opening track, “I Don’t Feel That Way”. A smooth delivery and production reminiscent of 60’s Motown make it an instant hit with this reviewer. Want something completely out of left field? Rogers looks at life through the eyes of an invasive weed in “Dandelion”.

“Average Joe” is an engaging character sketch with a wonderfully descriptive opening line. Kind of shines like dimes in a puddle. Doin’ fine, he’s keepin’ subtle. Can’t write ’em better than that. The piano driven “Jonesin’ For You” bounces along nicely thanks to some stellar guitar work and another terrific lead vocal.

That said, “Summer Sun” may be the highlight among highlights here. A start to finish hook, it falls somewhere between Ricky Lee Jones and The Waitresses. The perfect summer song, pop this one into the car stereo device of your choice, roll down the windows and crank it up to 11.

Elena’s ability to spin through styles and straddle the unorthodox isn’t incidental. Rather, it’s a combination of her unique talent and the acumen of the album’s producer, Jamie Hoover. Hoover’s extensive production skill and experience bring out the very best in Rogers’ compositions and performance.

A World-wide Publishing Deal at 19

A gifted singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist at 19, Rogers recently signed an exclusive, world-wide publishing deal with Gilda/Schubert Music. In the words of Gary Velletri, President of Gilda Music, “Her innate sense of melody and sophisticated composition belie her age. Elena’s ability to write accessible, timeless pop seems effortless and opus one is a propitious start to a formidable career”.

Get Elena Rogers’ opus one Here

Elena Rogers’ new album, opus one, is available wherever fine music is sold. If it’s the CD you’re looking for, I suggest you get your copy through Kool Kat Musik or through her Bandcamp page. You can also find it on Spotify, Deezer, Apple and Amazon Music. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.