As far as music goes, Van Hunt has been a somewhat silent genius in the music scene releasing two somewhat under the radar projects on Capitol Records that were soulful classics in their own right: Van Hunt, and On the Jungle Floor.

Van Hunt was set to release his third studio album, Popular in 2008, however, the project was never released. Of that set back, Hunt says, “It set me back a year. To be honest, I was kind of numb to the whole thing as it happened.”

The set back of Popular gave light to Van Hunt’s latest installment, What Were You Hoping For? This project isn’t necessarily a project that the mainstream masses or Van Hunt’s fans for that matter will understand on a first listen. It’s less soul, no more “Down Here In Hell” more so Jimi Hendrix with something to say about essentially everything. The mellowness of Van Hunt’s debut album, and vintage rock/soul vibe of On The Jungle Floor, has left for a more hard rock and psychedelic sound–however, this direction isn’t very far fetched for the untraditional music that Hunt has always made.

Hunt both produced and played on this album along with drummer Ruthie Price and keyboardist and programmer Peter Dryer and what was created is this impressive production palette that goes perfectly with the lyrical content. The lyrics on this album are phenomenal. Hunt has always been a great writer, however, the subject content and metaphors used on this project are rather impressive.

On “Designer Jeans,” Hunt sings a song that essentially speaks to the bandwagon culture we live in today. He is ultimately saying we need to practice being ourselves more, stop publicizing our lives, and really, starting being yourself more instead of attempting to satisfy everyone. Hunt sings, “…message me on the bathroom wall/ original network social/ people with nothing on their minds/ need only press a button to share online/ religion, atheism/ mass production and consumption of opinions/ baby, I know we feel more comfortable in our status symbols/ and the places we hold on the totem pole/ our political views our tattoos and our heirlooms/ why can’t we be who we are without selling it on a billboard/ and when we love the middle class/ and we all move up from the back/ lack is the new white trash/ the proof is writing on our ass.”

With the metaphorical “Cross Dresser” Hunt sings a tale that you don’t necessarily get on the first listen. The song through a metaphor speaks to missing someone so you start to attach yourself to their belongings to keep the memories near, “… I wanted to disguise the hurt and wound up blending genders, But I got to know her better through her high heels and her skirts.”

“A Time Machine Is My New Girlfriend” once again continues the lyrical train, “…now I’m fresh as a baby, ready for your love to save me… from the end. I paid all my late fees, no more rented entertainment, so glad you’re staying.” The first single from the album, “Eyes Like Pearls,” is a beautiful track and the lyrics only drive home that fact: “after I promised her my best she turned to our gusts, and blinded them with her high beams, with eyes like pearls. She’s crying precious tears as I hold her as she looks into the sea with a distant yearning.”

This album is great, but, if you’re looking for old Van Hunt you will be a little lost. This album doesn’t sound like anything we’ve ever heard from him aside from great lyrics, however, that’s what a great artist does. The key to being a great artist is constantly growing, and constantly evolving and this is something that Van Hunt has managed to do beautifully with this project. Make sure you support Van Hunt and purchase the album here, also, make sure you check him out when he comes to a city near you– check tour dates here.