The feeling people work so hard for, and sacrifice so much for, is the feeling of accomplishment, winning, knowing you're the best, knowing it'll be okay, and overall euphoria. I get a fine share of all the previously listed feelings when I put on Most Valuable Player. It is peace of mind itself.

Most Valuable Player's vibe gives you that feeling when you are looking out the window of your car as you drive by a deserted field, whose only inhabitant is the wind. Nat Baldwin - the vox of it all - has a most unique voice. The only comparison I can make to his voice is that of Robert Smith of The Cure, minus the accent, and the towering, misplaced hair. It has Robert Smith's male calming effect, but there is a major difference. Nat Baldwin sings in many tones, groans, and uncommon sounds. It sounds almost foreign, as if speaking in tongues.

This has a plus side though; these hymns and tones have a relaxing effect, as does that of a mother hymning her baby to sleep. Backed by either a trumpet, or clarinet in all but a few songs, it seems orchestrated. This only adds to the successful feeling like the slow-motion moments of people crossing the finish line, or "We Are the Champions" by Queen. When you listen to this, you have won. Just like the title of the CD, you are just that; you're the Most Valuable Player and you've got it all.

~Patrick Chamberland

Patrick Chamberland is a 14 year-old, freshman in high school. He lives in the most northern point of Maine.

Most Valuable Player will be released April 29 on Broken Sparrow Records.