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Minneapolis has been popping up in this column a lot lately, and this week is no exception. Singer-songwriter Ari Herstand has been active in the Minnesota music scene since he left Madison for college in the land of 10,000 lakes. Though he is a modest twenty-three years of age, Herstand already has two releases under his belt, plays the piano and guitar and has toured with the likes of Ben Folds on a consistent basis. If you ever thought you were doing nothing with your life, Herstand is not the man to make you feel better about yourself. Herstand began his professional career in music during his time at McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul, Minnesota. Starting out playing at coffee shops, Herstand built up his reputation during his time at school so much so that by 2006 his music was already being featured on MTV reality hit Real World and dominating the college radio circuit.

His latest album Whispering Endearments, set to be released September 12th, is the culmination of all his hard work since his last major album Baby Eyes. Herstand spent six months writing and recording in the studio under no constraints, continually revamping his own work until he was satisfied. The result shows within the album. Most guys will think titles like “Beneath the Moon” or “Center of a Kiss” are a little cheesy, but the musicianship and lyrics on Whispering Endearments cannot be criticized. There is not one sloppy song on it. Everything, from the soft backing vocals on “Itch Inside Your Ear” to the way Herstand’s voice dips down on “Your Eyes,” is so well done that there can’t be one bad word uttered about his musicianship. Sure, some may think the lyrics are a bit too mushy, but John Mayer had a hit with “Your Body is a Wonderland”, which are widely considered to be some of the lamest lyrics ever sung. Herstand’s lyrics on Whispering Endearments are well-written and though we might not know exactly where the center of a kiss might be, his enthusiasm while singing doesn’t make us question it.

This week’s featured song “Last Day”, also on Whispering Endearments, is the heart-melter of the album. When Herstand asks us “If you knew this was your last day, what would you do?” you can’t help but let your mind wander. Between the piano, Herstand’s crooner voice and the sharp guitar, “Last Day” is just a damn good pop song. Boys, prepare to hold your girls tight to this song, because they’ll be singing along to every word.