Review: David St. Romain All I Really Wanted to Say

David St. Romain showed his gift for singing early on, winning talent shows and performing with multiple groups in his native Alexandria. After making connections in Nashville and reaching the finals of the hit TV show Nashville Star, St. Romain saw his stock rise.

His latest, All I Really Wanted to Say, is a blend of honest storytelling, relaxing scenes, good times and great musicianship. It kicks off with “That’s Love,” a good story of the honest sacrifice required by love under any circumstances. The following song is the title track, a beautiful statement on all the things that go unsaid. St. Romain identifies the fears that fill a lover’s argument and shows how pride can get in the way of reconciliation. But there are much lighter notes, such as “Let’s Get Down,” an illustration of the desire we all share to let loose on a beach and have some fun—clothing optional. A mix of the emotional output of an experienced storyteller and a fun collection of tunes, this album is a nice postcard from one of Louisiana’s up-and-coming bright stars. davidstromain.com

Essential tracks: “All I Really Wanted to Say,” “Let’s Get Down”

Recommended if you like: Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, a cheeseburger in paradise