This is a strong release. It’s more or less a folk meets rock and pop release. Everything here works well, but some songs stand taller than others. There is a good range, and this has a real classic vibe, while also showing off a freshness.
This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2026 Volume 1. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2026.
Track by Track Review
A Better Life
Intricate guitar is on the menu as this gets underway. It turns to more of a driving folk rock vibe from there. The vocals come in over that concept.
Magpie
Slower and mellower, this has a lot of folk music in the mix.
Best Efforts
More or a pop rock tune, this is classy stuff. In fact, I’d consider this to be one of my favorites here.
A Hero's Welcome
Much mellower, this is a cool folk ballad type number.
Miles From Home
The first moments of this bring hints of bluegrass. The tune has a country meets folk vibe and is on the mellower end of the spectrum. It gets into more powered up pop rock zones at times. It has some catchy hooks and is quite strong.
Where It Lies
Acoustic guitar has been at the heart of everything so far. Now we get a piano based tune. This is another effective ballad. It gets some other instrumentation as it builds out, but drops back to piano and vocals to end. This is another highlight for me.
Blind Ambition
This more rocking tune has some country in the mix. It’s another standout, and it works so well.
The Edge
The violin is a nice touch here. This has some hints of country, as well, but overall it’s more of a folk rocker. It’s also particularly effective.
My Memory
This acoustic guitar based ballad also benefits from violin work. The track is country and folk based.
The Right Choice
Pop, rock, folk and more merge on this song. There are hints of country. The tune is effective, but not as strong as some of the rest here.
