Gary Santarella Unconditional Love Review by Gary Hill
I came into this album with a really positive bias toward it because I love the cover. I'm a dog person, so that cover really got me. The music, though, completed the sale. This is a great EP. It's folk meets soft rock. It has a very classic sound. It's an entertaining and effective set that will have you reaching for the "repeat" button when it's over. It's just a fun ride.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2017 Volume 3 at lulu.com/strangesound.
Track by Track Review
Don't Kick Me
Country, folk and rock all combine here. This is a catchy cut that has a real classic edge to it.
No Hard Feelings
A much mellower cut, this is a folk tune. It has some great bits of instrumental magic. The truth is, though, the song writing and vocal performance are what really sell this. The tune feels like something that would have been huge in the early 1970s. If there were justice in the music business, it would be huge today. I love this song.
Daddy'o There is a healthy dosage of country in the mix here. This is more the kind of soft rock that bands like America made such a career out of it. It's another really successful tune.
Rocky
Folk rock is the order of business here. This cut is good, but just feels a little awkward to me. Don't get me wrong, I still like it. It just isn't as good as the last couple songs.
Punta Cana Here is another folk song. We're definitely back on the right track as this is an especially effective piece of music.
Hey Hey Sweetie
Soft rock makes up this number. I love the guitar and piano on this. Again, though, song writing and vocals steal the show. It's another great song on a very successful EP.
