Talking with Tyler was the CD that got me into Allen Levi. Actually, not even the whole CD... I bought a compilation that had two songs from the album, then HAD to buy the album, then found myself hooked on all his music. This disc is one of the most unique that I have in my collection, if not the most so. The music is totally honest, obviously straight from Allen's heart. He doesn’t fancy up the words at all, but instead chooses to write common lyrics so as not to leave anybody out.

First things first... Tyler is a dog. That being said, you get sort of an idea what kind of content you're gonna get here. And lest you think it shallow, let me set you straight up front: there's not a shallow bone in Allen Levi's body. The kind of spiritual parallels Levi draws from experiences he has with his dog are the stuff that we could all take with us, and find ourselves more enriched in the process. The album isn't all about the dog. There are other creatures and objects as well that contribute original perspectives on spirituality that few folks would take the time to find, but Allen Levi does.

The hilarious tune "Tyler Talks Back" is what drew me inexplicably to this album. Yes, that's right, it's the dog talking. Talking about how glad he is to "be a dog, not a dude like you." Talking about how dogs don't have to work and don't have to put up with politics, challenging his master to de-complicate his life and return to simplicity. It's a tune that will have you laughing while you wonder to yourself, "is my life too complicated?"

Elsewhere, Levi takes several opportunities to poke fun at himself with the anthem to pasty-pale people "Suntan", and contemplates the potential horror of blind dates in "She's Made for You." Tunes like "Bluebird" weave some of the most beautiful melodies I've heard together with messages of beauty and marvel at the simpler things of God's creation. "Meant To Be Found" finds us listening to an Easter egg that was never located during a hunt, but which encourages us that we were indeed meant to be found by God.

I'll be honest, I needed this album. I don't know too many people who wouldn't. After a day of fighting traffic, deadlines, and stress of a fast-paced world, it's refreshing and relaxing to just stop, pop in this disc, and hear Allen Levi's perspective on life. It brings us back to what's important, and reminds us that we are uniquely loved by God.

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