Even though Eric Hutchinson released “Sounds Like This” back in 2008, I thought it necessary to review the album that brought Hutchinson to major recognition before he takes the stage at Veishea this year.

“Sounds Like This” put Hutchinson on the radar when gossip blogger Perez Hilton began raving about him on his well-acclaimed website. Hutchinson soon landed a top 10 album on iTunes, which lead him to Warner Bros. Records, who quickly claimed him. The East Coast native has been featured on many tonight shows such as Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien, which have allowed him to showcase his talents. Hutchinson also has toured with big names such as Kelly Clarkson, Jason Mraz, G. Love & Special Sauce, Matt Nathanson, Jack’s Mannequin, O.A.R., Stephen Kellog & the Sixers and many more.

“Sounds Like This” is full of well-known tracks that gave Hutchinson some well-deserved attention. “Rock & Roll” is an upbeat, clap-along track that many are sure to recognize. “All Over Now” releases Hutchinson’s soulful side with the acoustic background, and “OK, It’s Alright With Me” is a piano-pounding song that will get you moving on your feet. “Outside Villanova” is a tongue-twisting and fast-paced song that brings you to the “Wordplay” feel of Mraz. “Back to Where I Was” and “It Hasn’t Been Long Enough” release a softer side of Hutchinson that shows his soulful songwriter side.

Some may also recognize the song “Modern Age,” which describes the obsession with new technology and was released a few years before “Sounds Like This” but does not appear on the album.

On the bonus track feature of “Sounds Like This,” “OK, It’s Alright With Me” and “You Don’t Have to Believe Me” are offered as live versions showing fans that Hutchinson sounds just as lively in person and exceeds expectations in performances. Hutchinson cites his influences as Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, Paul Simon, Ben Folds Five and many others, which gives listeners an idea of what to expect when hearing Hutchinson’s music style. Hutchinson is constantly described by fans as a mix of Mraz and Gavin DeGraw, but with a brighter energy brought to the stage.

Recently, Hutchinson released a single that is getting major radio play called “Watching You Watch Him.” His latest single shows fans that he is sticking to his true roots as a singer/songwriter, but with a little more pop and studio sound. Look for his new album “Moving Up Living Down,” which will be released shortly before Veishea weekend on Tuesday. We will be sure to hear a few of his new tracks live at Veishea and can expect a great show out of him.

Be sure to catch Hutchinson perform at Live @ Veishea on Friday night. Hutchinson’s rock/acoustic pop is sure to get a great reaction from viewers, and his clap-along beats will make for a lively crowd that you will definitely want to be a part of.

Grade: A-

Recommended Tracks: “Oh!” & “Rock & Roll”