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Jeff Ray

Our Little Town

Review by Gary Hill

I've seen Jeff Ray described as a country artist. There are a couple songs here that land under country. Most of this, though, is more straightforward rock music. The closest connection is probably John Mellencamp, but more the rock side of his sound. However you label this, though, it's a good EP with some strong tunes. It's not the most original thing you'll hear, but it's quite effective.

 

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2017  Volume 4 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review
Our Little Town

This powers in with a cool rock meets country approach. The vocals join with a smooth twangy delivery. The cut is a classy one and serves as a great start to the set.

I Wish I Had a Girl

Now, this is a change. The cut feels so much like the kind of rockers that John Mellencamp used to do under the name of John Cougar. That said, this is a cover of a song by Henry Lee Summer. This is a big change, but it works really well.

Somebody's Cryin'

A slower, acoustic based number, this again feels like Mellencamp, but more in the later era in some ways. It definitely represents a different angle of this artist's talents, landing more in the singer-songwriter vein. It gets a more rocking treatment later as the electric guitar enters. This is a classy tune for sure.

Ride into the Sunset

I dig the retro rocking texture of this piece. It's an energized number with a lot of classic rock sound in the mix. This is a slab of vintage sound with a fresh coat of painted over the top.

What If She Does

The country elements are back in the mix here. This is built in very similar ways as the opening cut. It's a nice change from the last few tunes, and it's an effective piece of music.

She Ain't You

The closer lands more along the rock end of the continuum, but has some of the country elements still in play. It's a classy tune that does a good job of bringing it all to an end in style.

 
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