Given the name of the artist, I figured this album was a great choice for review in our September issue because at least that name fits Spooky Season. Let me say that it’s just the title that fits, though. The music here is mainstream country leaning sound. It does move toward some other things at times, but overall it’s more modern popish country than it is anything else. It’s quite good within that heading, though, making good use of both male and female vocals.
This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2025 Volume 3. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2025.
Track by Track Review
Back in Spring
Mainstream rock, country and jazz elements seem to merge on this track. This is an AOR styled rock tune overall.
Oh Lena
More country informed pop rock is on the menu here. This is a solid tune, but not as innovative as the previous cut.
Already Gone
More of a country leaning ballad, this has a bit of a duet built into it. It’s classy, and a nice bit of variety.
House on Fire
That jazzy thing is back in play here. This still has both rock and country vibes built into it, too. This has good energy and some great hooks. The multi-voice vocals arrangement is great. The echoey guitar later leans toward Latin music and prog.
Borrowed Time
Melodic and somewhat mellow, this has country angles along with AOR rock. It’s a solid number that’s nearly a ballad.
In the Rain
More of a true ballad, this is very country based. The male vocals are the lead ones, but both are present here.
Tell Me Tell Me
Not quite a ballad, this is a melodic tune with some classy hooks and a lot of style.
One Bed
Here we have another retro sounding melodic tune. This is all class. In fact, I’d say it’s one of the strongest tunes here.
Unlisted track
Starting with some rather detuned sounding piano, the male vocals come over the top of this. The other vocal joins later. This is odd little number that seems to be intentionally old-fashioned and almost amateurish. I mean, it is a little unlisted bonus track, so you would expect something unusual, right?
