It’s a pleasure to welcome a true musical storyteller to SongWeb. Meet Eddie Thompson, known to fans as Crooner ED. He’s a singer, musician, and entertainer whose career reads like a journey through the heart of American music. Growing up in a family of performers, Ed’s early exposure to live music and recording sessions laid the foundation for a career that would see him sharing stages with Grammy winners, recording with world-class musicians, and earning accolades from top songwriting competitions. From his semi-finalist song “Amazing, Awful, Ordinary Life” in the 2025 SongOfTheYear.com global contest to his award-winning book Monkeys in My Coconut Tree, Ed is a creative force whose humor, heart, and musicality shine in every endeavor.
His recent album, “Amazing, Awful, Ordinary Life,” released in December last year, is proof of that talent. A masterful blend of smooth jazz, swinging big-band arrangements, and contemporary storytelling, the album captures life in all its beautiful, messy, and relatable glory. Stay with me and let’s take a track-by-track journey.
“Amazing, Awful, Ordinary Life,” the title track, sets the tone with Ed’s signature warmth and wit. Vocally, he’s confident and expressive, effortlessly balancing humor and heartfelt reflection. The instrumentation is lush with gentle piano, sax, and understated percussion that supports ED’s narrative about life’s unpredictable mix of joy and struggle. This song is reflective and relatable and serves as the perfect opening statement. ED crafted this composition with love and care, and it’s pretty obvious.
The second song on the album is “I Like The Way You Walk,” and Ed’s playful romance shines here. Written as a love letter to his wife, the song features a light swing rhythm, jazzy guitar, and smooth horn lines that complement his tender and smooth delivery. His phrasing makes you feel intimacy and joy, like he’s sharing a private smile with you. With dazzling piano notes and lively horns, this is one of those rare love tracks that nails the production sweet spot. Every bit of it is satisfying.
“Why Does Everything Hurt?” is the anthem for anyone over 40. The arrangement cleverly mirrors the lyrical humor, with playful piano riffs, walking bass, and subtle brass stabs accentuating the song’s comic frustration. Ed’s timing and expressive delivery make the exaggeration perfectly believable, and his vocals carry a blend of world-weariness and charm. This track does something special on the album and makes it worth listening to. It made me feel alive. The way ED blended the instruments makes it gorgeous.
A tender and reflective ballad, Ed slows the pace on “I Wish I Knew” to explore longing and curiosity about life’s mysteries. The instrumentation is understated but lush, with soft piano, brushed drums, and gentle strings. His vocals are intimate and vulnerable, inviting you to ponder life’s “what ifs” alongside him. This song struck a chord with me and is definitely going to become part of my daily listening. Big shoutout to ED for giving his fans a timeless and fresh song.
Celebratory, lively, and brimming with energy, “What A Ride” is pure big-band joy. The brass sections sparkle, the rhythm section propels the tune, and Ed’s vocals ride effortlessly atop the arrangement. It’s unique and a musical rollercoaster, perfectly capturing life’s exhilarating highs. The beat is lively and gets your body moving uncontrollably.
“All We Really Want” is perhaps the album’s emotional centerpiece. Ed’s heartfelt performance elevates the lyrics into a universal message about the human desire for love, connection, and peace. The orchestration is lush without being overwhelming and allows his nuanced vocal expression to resonate fully. It’s poignant, warm, and timeless, as ED’s sweet and beautiful voice keeps you engaged through the song.
Moving on to the seventh song, “Coffee Talks With Dad” is a gentle, conversational track that evokes nostalgia and everyday intimacy. The arrangement is soft, warm, and inviting, allowing Ed’s storytelling to shine. His vocal phrasing feels like a personal chat, full of subtle inflections that make you smile and remember your own coffee table conversations. With satisfying tones that set the right tunes for a laid-back feel, I felt like having a drink with my dad while listening to a live rendition of this music.
Pure fun and laugh-out-loud humor, Ed pokes affectionate fun at dieting and friendship in “Fatter Friends.” The upbeat swing arrangement, playful horn accents, and bouncy piano underline the comedic lyrics. His timing is impeccable, proving he can deliver humor just as well as heart. The tone heard in this piece is amazing. The twinkling piano playing sounds as if it could go on forever. Musically speaking, each note hits right. It’s one of the tracks on the album where ED does some magic with the instrumentation.
The ninth track, “Seize Today,” is an uplifting call to action, encouraging us to embrace life fully. The arrangement is bright and optimistic, featuring sprightly horns and a driving rhythm. Ed’s vocal delivery is confident, energetic, and motivational, leaving you ready to face the day with a smile. This song is catchy with a fast-paced feel to it. Its tune and mesmerizing beats are a delight for the ears, but ED’s quality performance and ear-pleasing vocals take the spotlight.
Closing the album with a timeless standard, Ed brings his smooth jazz sensibility and big-band polish to a classic on “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” His phrasing is impeccable, and he effortlessly swings while adding personal warmth and charm. It’s a graceful, celebratory way to round out the album, connecting the contemporary originals with enduring tradition. This song is perfectly charming in all aspects.The beat and instruments work in ideal balance to give what can only be called an ideal impression.
From top to bottom, the production is sophisticated yet approachable. Ed’s voice sits perfectly in the mix, supported by first-class musicianship that ranges from swinging horns and elegant piano lines to lush orchestration. The arrangements balance intimacy with energy, humor with reflection, and modernity with classic jazz sensibilities. Every track is polished, dynamic, and thoughtfully arranged, making the album as pleasurable to listen to in its entirety as it is to savor track by track.
In all, “Amazing, Awful, Ordinary Life” is a triumph of songwriting, performance, and production. Crooner ED has created an album that celebrates the rollercoaster of real life with humor, warmth, and grace. Whether you’re laughing at “Fatter Friends,” reflecting on “I Wish I Knew,” or feeling inspired by “Seize Today,” Ed’s storytelling and musicality leave a lasting impression.
Listen to the “Amazing, Awful, Ordinary Life” album on Spotify
Follow Crooner ED here for more information
