Music Review: Wyatt Blair, Point of No Return

By Tyler Hodg

Break out your hairspray, headbands, and shoulder pads: the 1980s are back thanks to Wyatt Blair. His new album, Point of No Return, is a love letter to arena-style glam rock that not only celebrates the music of the past, but also makes it cool again. Now that’s radical!

Anything to do with the ’80s is inherently fun, but the music is arguably the most exciting aspect. Thankfully, that type of cheerful energy is present in Point of No Return. Blair’s commitment to recreating the now-archaic sound pays off, and the album is a joy because of it.

However, there is a danger that’s attached to making a throwback record. Because of the gimmick, it’s difficult to consider the quality of music by today’s standards. That’s not to say things produced in the ’80s were bad, but it’s impossible for Point of No Return’s nostalgia factor to not overshadow the songwriting, regardless of how well it’s composed.

In the case of this album, the familiar sounds of drum machines, synths, and highly-produced vocals help the tracks become more substantial; most of the songs are catchy, but generally aren’t unique. Of course, this may be on purpose, considering it’s meant to sound like it was written 30 years ago, but a modern approach to an old style of songwriting could have resulted in some interesting tunes.

With that said, there are a few standout tracks. The dynamic opener “Dancing on a Dream” starts Point of No Return off with a bang, while the reggae-inspired “Cruel World” and power ballad “Cherry Pie” slow it down. There is a great flow to the album, and the song sequence is chosen perfectly.

Despite the album’s strengths, Point of No Return is a musical DeLorean: a slick body covering something that’s fundamentally broken. Yet, just like the car, there is a certain level of awesomeness to it. The songwriting may be lacking, but Blair does successfully harness the power of the ’80s.

Call it what you will—a distraction, gimmick, or nostalgia trip—but there is no denying the old-school approach to Point of No Return is amusing and totally righteous. The album is a great way for some to memorialize the past, and for others to appreciate a time they may not know. It’s safe to say, Point of No Return is not grody to the max.

Point of No Return was released on August 5 from Burger Records/Lolipop Records.