Rookie of the Year, the multi-instrumental brainchild of Ryan Dunson, is set to drop a new acoustic album, A Day In The Life of... YOUR NAME HERE, featuring some old tunes, new originals, and a few cover songs. Wanting to test a portion of it on you, Dunson is offering up two album tracks just for you — his rendition of Goo Goo Dolls' classic "Black Balloon" and an original song, "Forever." 

While both tracks highlight Dunson's penchant for capturing the more melodic side of music, each does so in very different ways. For his take on "Black Balloon," he strips the raw emotion down a notch, side-stepping the song's inner-turmoil to concentrate fully on the love-fueled passion which drives it. Fusing acoustic guitar and piano with his own heartfelt vocals, he creates a solid new approach to GGD's original. Meanwhile, "Forever" utilizes this same formula for unparalleled melodies, gaining help from gorgeous piano parts, lovestruck vocals, and heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics. And the best part? Both are yours as a free download for a limited time.

A Day In The Life Of... YOUR NAME HERE, set to drop August 28 via iTunes, can be thought of as a tour companion to Rookie's live shows. "This new release [features] b-sides, covers and songs from the past records, with a few new songs added in for fun. Instead of touring with four CD's, we are [taking] my [pre-released] favorites and adding about 10 new songs on to one CD," explains Dunson, who is excited to release an album that will essentially double as the seltist for his upcoming live shows. "Plus, it has my favorite cover songs added on as well — like "Black Balloon" by my favorite band, Goo Goo Dolls," Denson continues. "And the artwork is sick! Just wait!"

For now, enjoy your sneak peek with these free downloads, and keep your eyes on iTunes for the album's official release.