My first encounter with Dan Amaro was a few years ago. At the time he was the singer/rhythm guitarist of Detroit, MI pop-punk band The Major Minor. I remember a friend and I saying what a great voice he had. After their set we made it our mission to chat with him for a few minutes. Once we made our way to him, we soon discovered that he was just as kind off stage as he seemed onstage. We talked for a few minutes and exchanged social media info. Over the next year or so, we would chat from time to time. Then one day he tells me that he and his wife are moving here to Columbus, OH. Once they got here and settled, Dan started coming out to local shows, networking a little, as he was working on a solo project. His first local show came as a blessing, as he was a replacement for someone on a bill. And that night set course for the start of his new adventure.

Almost 2 years later, here we are, talking about his debut release, Everything Will Be Okay. For the time in which we are presently living, I can’t think of a better title for an album, and after listening to this release, yeah, everything will be okay. If you are needing, looking for some hope right now in your world, in any aspect of it, then Dan’s words may provide you with that as his lyrics are the backbone of this album.

Everything Will Be Okay begins with “Breaking Through.” If you have read any of my reviews, then you know that I’m big into opening tracks. They can set the mood for what’s to come and they should. Anyways, “Breaking Through” is an excellent opening track. One aspect that sticks out is Dan’s voice. This track does a great job of showcasing it. Dan also gives us a small glimpse into his world. The honesty in this song is welcomed. Another standout track is “War.” This is one he has been playing live for a while, and every time it hits me right in the feels. This is the one I have been waiting for him to release, just so I can listen to it whenever I want. It’s that damn good. As far as the subject matter, it’s about him being away from his wife when he is on tour. But even if you don’t tour, there of course are times that we all are away from those we love. We all miss people, and that’s what this track is about. One of my favorite lines is in this song, it goes, “My heart is a soldier.” Think about that for a second. I love it!!!! “Moving Mountains” is one of those classic love songs. It’s one of those songs that gives you butterflies when you hear it, and you can’t help but smile. Even the blackest of hearts will shine bright when listening to it. That’s how good of a songwriter Dan is. If you are a Dashboard Confessional fan, then you will enjoy it as well. There is a line that goes, “We’ll have enough kids to start a band.” Man, that just makes me all giddy. Such a great lyric.

Overall, this is a very solid debut release. Dan has just shown us a small glimpse of what he is capable of. His songwriting is very open and honest. I for one appreciate that. He obviously has a passion for what he does, and it shows. So if Dashboard Confessional, Mayday Parade, Yellowcard, The Starting Line, and This Wild Life are your poison, then I highly recommend listening to this record.