Mark Montijo’s If I Get To Heaven is a thoughtfully crafted album that taps into both the personal and the universal, with a lyrical sharpness that cuts through its rich, acoustic layers. Based in California, Montijo takes listeners through a range of emotions, balancing existential musings with moments of pure joy.
The album opens with “Lost Art,” a track that immediately pulls you in with its lyrical weight. Montijo’s lines—“well the world is going crazy/and news is usually bad/truth’s a little hazy these days, ya know the truth’s a little sad”—feel both timely and timeless, setting the stage for an album that speaks to the chaotic nature of modern life. The instrumentation, led by piano, guitar, and brushwork, is understated but deeply effective.
The title track, “If I Get To Heaven,” stands out for its blend of the earthly and the spiritual. Montijo’s existential questions are posed with gentle grace, and he weaves the sacred and the every day in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. “Music You Could Die For” shakes things up with a bit of groove and experimentation, while “Big Night in a Small Town” leans into catchier territory without losing its depth.
“Picture This” strips things back with a minimalist, heartfelt approach, driven by delicate guitar picking. It’s a song that thrives in its simplicity, offering a quiet but powerful emotional release. “Someone Can Fly” brings more upbeat energy, as does “At The Top of My Game,” a track carried by banjo and lush instrumentation that feels celebratory and full of life.
The closing track, “The Summer Sun,” is a masterclass in balancing warmth, beauty, and melancholy. It’s a fitting end to an album that never shies away from complex emotions, yet remains grounded in its sincerity.
If I Get To Heaven is an album that feels real—honest, authentic, and deeply resonant. Montijo’s songwriting is sharp, his delivery is understated but effective, and the overall feel is one of genuine connection. This is an album that’s easy to recommend, and even easier to get lost in.
Discover ‘If I Get To Heaven’ on Spotify:
