Tom Tikka’s affinity for breezy and sun-streaked upbeat AOR fare continues with his new single “California Smile”. He’s enjoyed notable success working with his band The Missing Hubcaps, and their recent release Rainbows and Dead Flowers remains must-hear Americana, but the new single finds him expanding his collaborative zone. Teaming with Nolen Chew Jr.’s The Star Prairie Project for “California Smile” supplies a crowning touch for one of Tikka’s brightest and most buoyant efforts yet. There aren’t many songwriters working today capable of balancing a positive message with the realities of personal growth and adult concerns. Tikka and Chew’s songwriting partnership has produced just that with this new cut.
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Tikka and his cohorts set a brisk mid-tempo stride from the outset. “California Smile” surges forth, never too strident, but imbued with vigor and a sense of purpose that commands the listener’s attention. It’s led by a traditional band configuration augmented only by the intermittent presence of slide guitar at various crucial points throughout the arrangement. The slide guitar, however, doesn’t drag “California Smile” in a bluesy direction.
It instead conjures visions of wide-open vistas and sun-kissed beaches. However, it does accentuate the Americana origins of the piece without limiting itself to merely providing instrumental fills for assorted passages. There’s an underrated percussive quality it brings to the song as well. The playing establishes a tactile connection with listeners that matches well with the solid timekeeping that governs the song’s forward push.
Tikka’s wide-open and inviting vocals are a highlight. He sings like a man who has finally discovered love and sounds endearingly bewildered at times by his luck. He affects a light world-weariness with a handful of important lines in the song’s lyrics that deepen the song’s impact on listeners. There’s an implication of lessons learned, mistakes, and pain that’s led him to this redeeming moment you can hear in Tikka’s phrasing that helps make this song so worthwhile.
The chorus and bridge are other worthwhile components of the song. The transition from the bridge into the song’s coda is especially effective. Another complimentary part of the cut comes with the brief yet potent instrumental breaks. Guitar dominates the song musically without lunging for pseudo-virtuosity, and the lead guitar playing during the song’s second half puts a crowning touch on the arrangement while still serving the song. There’s no attempt to steal the spotlight from Tikka’s vocals.
There are more singles to come, but “California Smile” is more than satisfying. It can be judged as a standalone track or part of a larger forthcoming effort without surrendering any of its well-deserved luster. Tom Tikka has been plying his trade for several years now and has a tendency to hit home runs each time out; “California Smile” is no exception. It’s a worthy addition to his growing discography and shows his talents only further blossom when working with others. Seek this single out today, and you won’t be disappointed. It has everything to offer and holds up nicely after repeated listens.
Garth Thomas